Tree-destroying pest found in KC area

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Some trees are dying in Kansas City for a reason other than the drought.

A pest struck the United States starting in 2002 in Michigan. Now it's in 15 states, including Missouri.

It's called the emerald ash borer. It came from Asia and attacks ash trees.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture on Wednesday confirmed a case in Platte County. That is the farthest west the insect has ever been found.

"It's a pest that has the ability to fly approximately a half a mile,” said Chad Gilliland of Arbor Masters Tree & Landscape. “Most of the time they are spread by the movement of firewood. That's the one means in which the pest moves the fastest. That's how it moves from state to state."

Gilliland has started using other varieties of shade trees for landscaping. He said emerald ash borer will not be leaving anytime soon.