'One of worst invasive pests we've seen' is in SC: emerald ash borer

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The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle from Asia, is damaging trees in the Upstate.

Suspected sightings should be reported to local authorities or Clemson University.

An exotic beetle is chomping on trees in the Upstate, and the damage it is causing to the environment may be inevitable.

The critter has even earned the title of being "one of the worst invasive pests we've seen in North America in our lifetime," according to David Coyle, associate professor of Forest Health and Invasive Species at Clemson University.

First discovered in summer 2022 in southeastern Michigan near Detroit, the emerald ash borer is a small but mighty force to be reckoned with. What's more is that adult beetles that gnaw on ash foliage don't seem to be causing as much damage as their