August 7, 2008 Dangerous beetle descends on Worcester, MA Play video

(Jennifer Eagan, NECN: Worcester, MA) - The Asian long-horned beetle has swooped into Worcester and poses a potential risk. It has been found in some trees, and there's a move to get rid of it before is does significant damage.

When Donna Massey found a large beetle in the backyard of her Worcester home she knew she had something unusual on her hands.

What Massey found was an Asian long-horned beetle...a foreign bug that infests hardwood trees....especially maples.

Massey reported the discovery to the city. Now state and federal officials are trying to gage the scoop of the infestation.

Right now...officials are searching for signs of the beetle in the Greendale section of the city....but it could be much more widespread.

Patty Douglass from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says the only way to get rid of the bug is to take down all effected trees.