Asian Longhorned Beetle Alert
|
View a map of the most recent ALB infestation area (August 11, 2008 - PDF, 731 KB)
The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB)(Anoplophora glabripennis) is an invasive beetle believed to have arrived in New York from its native China via untreated packing crates and wooden palettes. Infestations have been discovered in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
Tunneling by ALB larvae damages the vascular system of the tree. Repeated attacks lead to dieback of the tree crown, and, eventually, death of the tree. The beetle presents a serious threat to the trees of New York City and has also infested parts of Long Island and Chicago.
The beetles are known to attack maple, horsechestnut, elm, willow, birch, poplar, and ash trees. Currently the only effective means to control the beetle is to remove infested trees and destroy them by chipping or burning. To prevent further spread of the insect, quarantine zones have been established to avoid transporting wood from the infested areas.
Early detection of infestations and rapid tree removal are crucial to the successful eradication of the beetle.