The Asian Longhorned Beetle is a serious threat to our area's trees. Its potential spread across the U.S. could end up creating multi-billion dollar losses for the lumber, maple syrup, nursery, and tourism industries. Plus, it could destroy our beautiful forests.
Male Asian Longhorned Beetle
Female Asian Longhorned Beetle
The Asian longhorned beetle is a 1 ½-inch-long, glossy black beetle with very long, black-and-white banded antennae. A few species in the area that may be mistaken for the Asian longhorned beetle can be found here.
It tunnels its way through healthy hardwood trees, weakening the main structure of the tree. The female lays eggs inside, and the cycle of devastation continues.
It invades most hardwoods, including but not limited to maple, horse chestnut, ash, birch, elm, willow, and poplar trees.
It is thought to have arrived in the U.S. via packaging and wood palettes from China. Checks have since been put in place to prevent untreated packaging items from reaching U.S. ports.
Look for dime-sized exit holes in the trunk, oozing sap, and large piles of sawdust around the base of the tree or where large branches meet the trunk.
Call 1-877-STOP-ALB. There is no way to prevent the spread of the Asian Longhorned Beetle. Currently, the only solution is to chop down and chip the infected trees. To date, more than 72,000 trees have been deforested due to ALB invasion. Early detection is therefore vital to containing the spread of this species.
Do not move firewood; burn it where you buy it. Don’t plant any host trees, and inspect your property regularly for signs of ALB infestation.
