Inspection Confirms Pest's Arrival in Glencoe

Following an inspection of traps in Glencoe Monday, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that causes critical damage to ash trees, ultimately causing them to die.

Traps were installed in six locations in the village in May at the request of IDOA, which has been tracking the emerald ash borer's progress into North Shore villages. So far, infected trees have been found in Morton Grove, Skokie, Wilmette, Evanston, Park Ridge and Glenview. Inspectors found emerald ash borers in traps near the intersection of Sheridan Road and Hazel Ave., and Longmeadow and Westwood Lane. Inspectors also found emerald ash borers in the 600 block of Greenleaf during a preliminary inspection of the block.

Signs that ash trees might be infected include dying leaves, D-shaped holes in the bark, S-shaped larva and leaves growing out of tree trunks, according to the press release.

The village has 1,185 ash trees which make up about 11 percent of the total trees in the village, according to the release.

According to a village press release, village staff will respond to any reported sightings of the emerald ash borer, a small and metallic green beetle, or its larvae. Residents are advised to inspect any ash trees on or near their homes and contact the Public Works Department at 847-835-4111.