The city of Montreal is stepping up its fight against the emerald ash borer bug.

This year, $2.6 million will be spent on containing the infestation on the island.

That's almost double the amount spent last year.

The insect targets ash trees, killing them within three to five years.

The bug was first detected in 2011.

149 trees were confirmed as infected last year, but 983 ash trees were marked to be cut down as a preventative measure.

The boroughs hardest hit by the infestation are Ahuntsic –Cartierville, Mercier – Hochelaga Maisonneuve and Rosemont – La Petite Patrie.