It's an insect that has killed tens of millions of ash trees in several states.

It's called the Emerald Ash Borer and Virginia and West Virginia are teaming up with 13 other states in observance of an awareness week about the dangers the insect poses.

The Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic beetle that was discovered in Michigan in 2002. Ever since, it's been causing an enormous amount of environmental damage.

They are small insects, but they can be environmentally devastating.

"Emerald Ash Borer is very important because it's swept through many of the Midwestern states and killed, honestly, millions of ash trees," says Matthew Yancey, a natural resources expert.

This exotic beetle, also known as EAB, feeds on ash trees only, consuming the nutrient tract, which cuts off the trees' food supply.

"It is already in northern Virginia, so it is sort of inevitable that it will reach this area at some point," adds Yancey.

With Memorial Day just ahead and travel picking up, environmental officials are concerned that campers may bring infested firewood to the Valley.

"One of the best things individuals can do to keep it from spreading more than it has, is to not move firewood. So if you're going camping or anything like that, a lot of times you can purchase firewood on the premises," says Yancey.

For now EAB has taken hold of areas of northern Virginia, but has not yet reached the Valley. Officials hope to keep it that way.

However, if the insect should make it to this part of the state, the region could see millions of dollars in damage.

"Basically when the thing hits it pretty much devastates all the ash trees in the area," says Yancey.

If people don't watch out for the Emerald Ash Borer, it could eat the ash trees in the region, which would mean massive damage to area forests.