Invasive Beetle is Found in Broome County

An invader has made its way to Broome County.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says it has found the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle in a trap southeast of Binghamton.

24 counties in New York State are now infected.

The Emerald Ash Borer was first found in Michigan after making its way from  Asia in the ash wood pallets used to secure shipping containers.

The beetle lays its eggs under the bark of Ash trees and the larvae feed off the tree, causing serious deforestation.

In addition to the concerns about preserving the trees, there is an economic impact on the U.S. National Pastime.

Ash is used to manufacture wooden baseball bats, that are made in New York State.

Environmental officials say another destructive beetle has now been found in a U.S. bound shipment of rain ponchos from China.

The live larvae of the Khapra Beetle were discovered entering the United States from Canada, North of Buffalo in an ocean container.

The shipment was sealed back up and sent back to Canada.

Khapra Beetles destroy gains, cereals and stored foods, contaminating grain while feeding on it.