(Washington, D.C., Tuesday, August 24, 2021) – August is the most important time of year to spot the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) as adult activity peaks. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is declaring August as “Tree Check Month” for the invasive pest. Checking trees for the beetle and the damage it causes is how residents can help USDA and its partners eliminate the beetle from the United States and protect more trees. USDA and its partners are working to eradicate the tree-killing beetle in Massachusetts, New York, Ohio and South Carolina. Residents in all states should keep an eye out for any new ALB or signs of damage.

“We’re asking for the public’s help to find Asian longhorned beetle and any tree damage it causes, because the sooner we know where the insect is, the sooner we can stop its spread,” said Josie Ryan, APHIS’ National Operations Manager for the ALB Eradication Program. “Just last year, a homeowner in South Carolina reported finding a beetle in their backyard, which led us to discover an active infestation in the state where we didn’t know the beetle was.”

The ALB is an invasive wood-boring beetle that attacks 12 types of hardwood trees in North America, such as maples, elms, buckeyes, birches, and willows. Infested trees do not recover and eventually die. Infested trees also become safety hazards since branches can drop and trees can fall over, especially during storms. In its larval stage, the insect feeds inside tree trunks and branches, creating tunnels as it feeds, then adults chew their way out in the warmer months, leaving about 3/4-inch round exit holes.

Rhonda Santos with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, shares more about “Tree Check Month” and to encourage everyone to examine their trees and report any signs of this pest.

Links to soundbites: ­­­­­­

Soundbite_1
NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO LOOK FOR AND REPORTS 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 FORESTS.

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

For more information, visit www.AsianLonghornedBeetle.com.