The New York state departments of Agriculture and Markets, and Environmental Conservation have confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer in New York City. The pest has been present in Upstate New York for some time and has only recently infiltrated the city.

Forestry expert Mark Whitmore from Cornell Cooperative Extension offered some advice to prevent the invasive pest from spreading further.

Don't move firewood, as this can move the pest faster than it can move on its own.

Treat ash trees with systemic insecticides. Because ash is wind pollinated and does not have nectars, this will not harm bees.

He cautioned that a major concern about emerald ash borers invading urban areas is that the tree, once invaded, loses its tensile strength and can fall down, threatening public safety.

To learn more about the emerald ash borer, visit www.emeraldashborer.info.