By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - There is a killer on the loose in the forests of Michigan, but this isn't a normal type of killer.
This killer is an exotic beetle called the Emerald ash borer, which was discovered near Detroit in 2002. The insect has also been detected in Ohio and Indiana.
Since discovering the insect, some more than 8 million trees in these areas have been killed.
The adults of the species feed on the the ash foliage, which causes little damage to the trees. The real danger to the plants are the Emerald ash borer larvae, which feed on the inner bark of the trees, making it difficult for the tree to transport water and nutrients.
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture the insect likely came to the United States on wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating from its native Asia.
Twenty counties in southeast Michigan where the insects have been found have been placed under a quarantine and in counties other than those quarantined where Emerald ash borers have been found it is due to residents transporting firewood to these areas.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture is seeking to stop the spread of the insect by placing a ban on the transportation of firewood to and from contaminated areas.
When looking to see if an ash tree has been infested with Emerald ash borers, one should look for an ash tree where the upper third has died back. In the following year the rest of the tree will die off. Often a number of shoots or sprouts will become visible below dead portions on the trunk.
When adult beetles exit the tree they typically leave a D-shaped hole. Under the bark of the tree S-shaped tunnels will be made by the larvae as they eat the trees flesh.
Residents of Berrien County who would like more information on the Emerald Ash Borer, or to report an infested tree in the area, can contact the Emerald Ash Borer Hotline at 1-866-325-0023.