Tree Killer Now Found in Buchanan and 3 Other Counties

The Emerald Ash Borer, a pest that destroys ash trees, has now been located in four more Iowa counties.

The insect has been found in samples collected in Winthrop in Buchanan County, as well as Hamilton, Hardin and Pottawattamie Counties.

The samples have been confirmed by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The infected ash trees in Buchanan and Hardin Counties were on private property; the others were located in the right-of-way along interstate highways.

The Emerald Ash Borer has now been confirmed in 61 Iowa counties. It is spread mainly by transporting firewood from one place to another. Consumers are encouraged to burn firewood in the same county it was purchased to help stop it's spread.