Invasive Beetle Poised to Spread Into New Hampshire

New Hampshire residents fear an ash-tree beetle infestation may spread throughout the state after forest officials found a swarm of the highly destructive invasive bugs in Salem, Mass., not far from the state border.

New Hampshire entomologist Piera Siegert says the infestation will likely spread north soon, although the beetles have not yet been spotted within her state, the Associated Press reports. Towns that could soon be infected include Hudson, Kingston, Londonderry, Hampstead, Pelham, Salem, Derry, Windham, Plaistow, Sandown, Danville, Atkinson and Newton.

The beetles, known as emerald ash borers, have already ravaged ash trees throughout Massachusetts — stripping nutrients and killing specimens within a year. Siegert warns that if the beetles are indeed found in New Hampshire, there will be an official quarantine on transferring firewood and ash-wood products.

[AP]