New bore beetle emerges in Chicago suburbs, Peoria Public works ready but not concerned

PEORIA (25 News Now) - After years of fearing the Emerald Ash bore beetle, there’s another creature ready to bug local trees.

The Two-Striped Chestnut bore beetle prefers white oak trees. It’s been spotted in the Chicago suburbs, in Deerfield, Lake Forest, and Northbrook for instance. Peoria Public Works said they are aware of the threat in neighboring states as well.

Since those areas have similar climates to Peoria, Public Works said it’s possible the bugs could make their way to Central Illinois. At this time, the department said it’s not a concern.

“As of right now it’s not on our radar,” Public Works Spokesperson Nick McMillion said. “That’s not to say it won’t be in the future. It wouldn’t be surprising that if something showed up like this here that we could definitely treat it and take care of it when the time comes.”

There are some signs to look out for on white oak trees. If leaves mysteriously turn brown or branches start dying, it might be a sign the two-striped chestnut bore beetle is around. A certain sign of a problem is little holes or marks in the base and trunk of a tree, those are the remnants of the beetle getting inside.

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