The pest which is currently devastating ash trees in 19 US states has been found to be established around Moscow, in Russia.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is being tracked by forest scientists who are trying to find ways to deal with it and stop it spreading through Europe.
At the moment it seems to be moving west at around 25 miles per year, but there are worrying signs that the beetles are hitching rides on vehicles and this greatly increases their potential rate of spread.
This is another indication of the rapidly increasing pressure on our trees from pests and diseases that are being introduced into new countries and areas due to globalisation and climate change. The recent threat to European ash trees from ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea) is here to stay and will very likely change our woodlands forever.
Find out more about the situation at this webpage. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24612322
Article written by Steve Cox on October 23, 2013