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Over the next 10 years, the economic impact of the emerald ash borer will cost Ohioans about $3 billion, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Marianne Prue, an urban forester with the Ohio Division of Forestry, explained to 40 area residents at a public meeting in Middletown Wednesday how this Asian beetle has already killed or forced the cutting of more than 12 million ash trees in Michigan, Ontario and in 26 Ohio counties, including Warren County. No Butler County infestations have yet been found.

Prue said the insect has traveled to Ohio and into other states from infested firewood, ash logs and nursery stock that was moved from Michigan. She said it has been estimated that there about 3.8 million ash trees — about one in 10 trees in Ohio forests.

About 10 percent of Middletown's trees are ash trees, according to the Middletown Tree Commission.

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the ash borer kills ash trees within three to five years of infestation. The insect cuts off the tree's nutrients and water, starving the tree to death.

Prue said the insect, a flat tapeworm-like larvae with bell-shaped segments, make D-shaped exit holes about 1/16 of an inch to 1/8 of an inch.

Prue suggested communities develop plans and a budget to prepare for the cutting of infested trees as there is no treatment that is 100 percent effective.

She said cutting trees has become a major expense for many affected communities, as the average cost is about $500 a tree.

Prue said before cutting a tree, homeowners may want to get the opinion of a certified arborist to make sure the tree needs to be cut. If it has to be cut, she said to contact a reputable tree cutter as there have been some tree-cutting scams reported in southwest Ohio.

"It's really scary because some streets are all ash (trees)," said Carolyn Keiffer, tree commission chairwoman. "It's going to be a moonscape when those trees come down."

She said the commission will recommend removal of trees instead of treatment. Keiffer said the commission is also working on a management plan for the city and will make a presentation April 3 to City Council.

For more information, go to www.ci.middletown.oh.us or www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or erichter@coxohio.com.