Emerald Ash Borer found in Wheeling; no damage seen

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of Emerald Ash Borer beetles in Wheeling, the first time the invasive insect has been detected in the village, according to a statement issued by officials today.

The two beetles were discovered on Abbott and Capitol drives during a trap survey. In the spring, traps were placed in parkway ash trees at various locations throughout Wheeling.

In both cases adult beetles were found, and no evidence of infestation has been detected yet in Wheeling's ash trees, the statement said.

The Ash Borer is a small, metallic-green insect whose larvae feed underneath bark of the branches and trunks of ash trees, thereby cutting off the tree's ability to transport nutrients. Ash trees can be infested with Emerald Ash for a few years before showing any signs of infestation.

Symptoms of infestation include the tree canopy starting to die back, D-shaped exit holes, woodpecker damage, shoots sprouting from the tree trunks and S-shaped larval galleries underneath the bark.

First found in Illinois four years ago in Kane County, the insect has since been spotted in more than 125 Illinois communities, including Palatine, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove and Des Plaines.

Last week, Mount Prospect officials announced the beetle was located there for the first time.

Wheeling residents who suspect they may have found adult or larval forms of this insect, or have trees that are showing Emerald Ash symptoms, should contact the Wheeling Public Works Department at (847) 279-6900.

More information can be found on the Village of Wheeling website, wheelingil.gov.