Invasive bug poses threat to NC trees

Last month, the state became the 20th in the United States to identify the presence of the emerald ash borer, an Asian beetle first discovered in the United States near Detroit in 2002.

The insect bores into ash trees, lays eggs that hatch and larvae feed off the tree, ultimately killing it within 2 to 5 years.

Under natural conditions, the insect spreads about 5 miles per year, but it's known to spread longer distances in short periods by living on wood that can be transported for use as firewood.

To keep the infestation from spreading from locations in Granville, Person and Vance counties, the forest service has implemented a wood quarantine to restrict the movement of firewood to other areas of the state.