(Washington, D.C., Monday, August 1, 2022) – August is “Tree Check Month” and the United States Department of Agriculture is asking everyone to examine their trees and report any signs of the invasive pest, the Asian longhorned beetle. This “hungry pest” has distinct markings and leaves behind distinctive holes and other signs in trees that make it easy to identify.

Rhonda Santos Public Information Officer with the USDA encourages everyone to examine their trees and report any signs of this pest.

SOUNDBITE #1:

NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO LOOK FOR AND REPORT THE SIGNS OF THE ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE IN YOUR BACKYARD AND IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. THIS WOOD-BORING BEETLE ATTACKS MANY TYPES OF TREES, AND IS A THREAT TO OUR SHADE TREES, RECREATIONAL AREAS, AND OUR FOREST RESOURCES.

SOUNDBITE #2:

THE BEETLE IS EASY TO RECOGNIZE WITH THEIR BLACK AND WHITE ANTENNAE, SHINY BLACK BODY WITH WHITE SPOTS, AND SIX LEGS. BEETLES CREATE ROUND HOLES AND SCARS IN THE TREE BARK, SAWDUST-LIKE MATERIAL AROUND THE TREE, AND CAN CAUSE BRANCHES TO FALL. IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE SIGNS, TAKE PHOTOS AND CAPTURE THE SUSPICIOUS INSECTS TO HELP THE USDA WITH IDENTIFICATION.

For more information or to report the insect or tree damage, visit www.asianlonghornedbeetle.com.