Published: November 10, 2009 03:46 pm      

WEB FIRST: Ash borer found in Miami County

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The tree-killing emerald ash borer has reached Miami and three other Indiana counties, boosting the insect’s foothold in the state to 30 counties.

In addition to Miami County, state wildlife officials say the invasive green beetle has been found in Delaware and Jay counties in east central Indiana and Washington County in far southern Indiana.

Since 2002, large infestations of the ash borer have killed millions of ash trees in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. The insect was first found in Indiana in 2004.

The DNR has imposed quarantines that bar the transportation of wood from ash trees from the state’s infested areas. A federal quarantine barring the transport of wood from ash trees across state lines is also in place.