Tree Killing Bug Display at City Hall a Little Too Real

Arborist Sue Mottl set up an informational display at on Emerald Ash Borer since finding ... but the display actually came alive last week. 

Part of the display was a big wooden stump — to show how the bugs made track marks in the wood.

But, Emerald Ash Borer larvae in the wood hatched and the adult bugs began flying around City Hall.

"A noticeable amount was flying around City Hall," said Mayor Sara Drew.

The crew from the Urban Forestry Department removed the stump and disposed of it properly, but some of the bugs remained, said Mottl. The city sprayed to get rid of the bugs, but employees were swatting them away and a few bugs were stepped on. A day later, the building was bug-free. 

"It's funny, but we want people to learn from this," said Drew.

may be used as firewood, but it's important not to transfer firewood so the bugs don't spread.

Also, anyone with Ash tree wood stored indoors should be mindful that the larvae could still be inside and could hatch, said Drew.  

Although the stump was removed from City Hall, the rest of the informational display remains. Also, for help identifying Ash trees and whether it is infested, .