Vt. state officials offer emerald ash borer prevention advice

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - The emerald ash borer flight season starts next week and there are things residents can do to help slow the spread of the invasive species in Vermont.

The insect has killed millions of ash trees in the U.S. since it first arrived in 2002, and it poses a significant threat to Vermont’s ash trees.

Starting around next Thursday, the bug emerges from the infested ash trees, logs and firewood and tries to find a new host tree and mates.

The commissioner of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation says you can help slow the spread of the emerald ash borer by not moving firewood, using local firewood and reporting signs of EAB infestation.

While out in state parks this year, people may notice fewer ash trees as crews have started removing some that are susceptible to the ash borer.

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