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FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2011 file photo, forester Jeff Wiegert, of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, removes emerald ash borer larvae from an ash tree at Esopus Bend Nature Preserve in Saugerties, N.Y. They said they are taking steps to limit the infestation by the invasive beetle that has destroyed millions of ash trees since appearing in the U.S. in 2002.

BOSTON - State officials say an invasive beetle that's destroyed millions of ash trees since appearing in the U.S. in 2002 has been found in Massachusetts.

Officials at the Department of Conservation and Recreation confirmed Wednesday that the emerald ash borer was detected Aug. 31 in Dalton. They're taking steps to limit the infestation.

The green beetle exclusively feeds on ash trees, with the larvae eating just beneath the bark while the adults feed on the leaves.

The native to China was first discovered in North America in Michigan in 2002 and has spread across the Midwest and Northeast.

The beetle was found in New York state in 2009, and in Connecticut in July.

Officials say the beetle is often transported by people carrying firewood across state lines.

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