Emerald ash borer — invasive insect that’s killed millions of trees — confirmed in Lakewood

Lakewood has confirmed its first case of emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that’s killed millions of North American ash trees, city officials said in a news release Thursday.

The insect was found “in a small area in central Lakewood” and confirmed by the Colorado State University extension office in Jefferson County, Lakewood officials said.

Emerald ash borer beetles infest and kill green and white varieties of ash trees, including the popular autumn purple ash. Approximately 15% of urban trees are ash trees, according to the city.

City officials did not say when or where the beetles were found or how many trees were impacted and could not immediately be reached for comment.

Ash trees infested by the beetles can be identified through “D-shaped” exit holes, splitting bark and “S-shaped” tunnels under the bark, city Forestry Supervisor Luke Killoran said in a statement.