Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in Connecticut

A species of tree-killing beetle has found its way into western Connecticut, a situation that puts millions of hardwood trees at risk in the state.

The state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced today that the was detected in Prospect a few days ago  by staff with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, which has been testing for the beetle. 

This is the first record of the insect in Connecticut, and brings to 15 the number of states where infestations have occured. The discovery here was confirmed by federal regulatory officials.

Another probable site of infestation was found in the Naugatuck State Forest, but as unconfirmed as yet.

The emerald ash borer is responsible for the death and decline of tens of millions of ash trees from the mid-west to New York State and south to Tennessee. 

With 24 million ash trees in Connecticut the ash makes up about 4 to 15 percent of Connecticut’s forests and is a common urban tree. Infestation by the ash borer, which has a lifespan of a year, can kill a tree within five years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, tens of millions of ash trees have already died or become heavily infested by the somewhat irridescent beetle.

“The detection of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Prospect and probably in Naugatuck reaffirms that statewide surveys for this pest were necessary,” said Louis A. Magnarelli, director of CAES.  “We expected to find the beetle in areas of Connecticut across from infestations in Dutchess County, New York; however, the EAB has great flight potential and can travel in infested wood moved by people.  This pest attacks all species of ash trees.  Our immediate goals are to determine how extensive the Connecticut infestation is, notify residents in the Prospect and Naugatuck area, and implement strategies to slow the spread of the insect.”

“This is a disturbing discovery and one that has the potential for great environmental harm in the state,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty.  “Connecticut has more than 22 million ash trees. The presence of EAB here could have a devastating effect on the beauty of our forests, state and local parks and neighborhoods, as well as the state’s wood product industries.  Now that EAB has been detected here, it is more important than ever to limit its spread.  It is imperative that residents and visitors throughout the state not move firewood. The movement of firewood that contains the presence of EAB is the quickest way to rapidly spread the insect.  We will continue to work closely with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and other state and local agencies to do everything in our power to minimize the presence of EAB in Connecticut.”

The EAB is a small and destructive beetle. It is metallic green in color and is approximately 1/2-inch long and 1/8 inch wide. Adults emerge from the bark of infested trees leaving a small “D”-shaped exit hole roughly 1/8 inch in diameter. Native to Asia, it was first discovered in the Detroit and Windsor, Ontario regions in 2002.  It has since spread through the movement of firewood, solid-wood packing materials, infested ash trees, and by natural flight.