State Working To Remove Invasive Beetles From Passaic County

WAYNE, N.J. — State officials are working to rid forests of and protect trees from emerald ash borer beetles.

The New Jersey Division of Park and Forestry is working to protect ash trees at the Ringwood State Park from the insidious insects.

The tiny beetles, which are smaller than a penny, were first discovered in the United States in 2002. Female beetles lay eggs on the bark of ash trees and the larvae bore into the bark and cut off the flow of nutrients to the tree, slowly killing it. Trees can be infested for years before any symptoms are observed.

The beetles have already been found in 14 towns in six counties in New Jersey.

The division, together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (DOA), the state Department of Environmental Protection is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove the beetles.

The DOA began placing purple sticky traps in areas near where the beetles have been found.

Anyone who sees an emerald ash borer should call a DEP forest health specialist at 609-984-3861.

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An emerald ash borer. Patch file photo