Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Illinois

Officials say the Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Illinois, nearly a decade after it first arrived in the state.

An event celebrating the end of the shiny black beetle in Illinois was held on Thursday with officials from the state and U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the city of Chicago.

The insect was found in Chicago in the summer of 1998.

From 1998 to 2006, officials removed nearly 1,800 trees to destroy the insect. At least seven neighborhoods in Chicago and up to 35 square miles were quarantined.

The latest infestation was discovered five years ago in a city park. Surveys since then haven't shown any signs of infestation.

Efforts are under way to eradicate the pest from parts of New York and New Jersey.