County plots against destructive beetle

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Erie County officials are plotting their plan of attack against a destructive beetle.

It's called the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that caused serious concerns when it was spotted on the southern tier two years ago.

Now, environmental officials say its made its way to Erie County.

City and state leaders will speak Thursday morning about the recent sighting of the beetle within Erie County's borders.

It chews through and destroys ash trees at an alarming rate, meaning there's a huge threat to industries like furniture and flooring.

The state tried to stop the spread of the bug with a firewood quarantine.

But many environmental officials have said it's just delaying the inevitable.

State DEC Regional Forester David Paradowski said, “There is no eradication of this insect. It is almost impossible to eradicate."

"In time, it will spread and likely be everywhere,” said Paradowski.