Switzerland

The discovery marks the first time that the pest has been found north of the Alps.

The beetles were found a few days ago in the municipality of Kloten, the site of Zurich airport, local authorities said on Tuesday.

Eradication measures have already been taken, but experts say it’s a race against time to prevent the beetle spreading through northern Switzerland and into neighbouring countries.

Private gardens in Kloten are also affected: a ban on watering lawns and green spaces is to last until the end of September. This is to prevent female beetles from laying their eggs in wet soil.