Forest Resource Protection Forest Health, Insect & Disease Forest Fire Control Staff

Brief Introduction

The Asian Longhorned Beetle is an exotic, wood-boring insect that attacks a variety of native hardwood species, including maple, birch, elm, poplar, horse chestnut and willow. Upon hatching, the larvae tunnel through the heartwood of a host tree until fully grown.  They then burrow out of the trunk as adult beetles. This process weakens the wood, making it prone to breakage, and can eventually kill the host tree. Over a third of our trees are susceptible to Asian longhorned beetle, so this insect will have a major impact if it becomes established in Vermont.

Where is the pest?

A native of East Asia, Asian longhorned beetle was first discovered in the U.S. in New York City in 1996, and has also been found in Chicago and New Jersey.  In August, 2008, an infestation was found in Worcester, MA, 45 miles from VT. As of August 2009, a 66-sq. mile area is under quarantine because of the infestation. This area will probably expand as additional surveys are completed.

What’s being done about it?

A variety of tactics are being employed to eradicate Asian longhorned beetle infestations. Quarantines prohibit movement of host material (including firewood or nursery stock) outside of regulated areas. Following annual surveys, all infested trees are removed. In addition, other susceptible trees nearby may be removed or treated with chemicals.  In the infested towns in Massachusetts over 25,000 trees have been removed.  More information on how to deal with this insect can be found at the management link below.

What are we doing in Vermont?

The Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation is collaborating with the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets on the Northest Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Project, a project funded by USDA APHIS and the U.S.Forest Service to help detect Asian longhorned beetle.

• Surveys – In 2009, we are surveying state and private campgrounds that have been visited by residents of infested areas.  Intensive surveys were in two high-risk towns (Burlington and in Brattleboro).  Forestry staff is on constant alert for symptoms and signs of Asian longhorned beetle attack.  We follow up on any inquiries about potential sightings or infestations.

• Public Outreach – We are continuing public awareness efforts through presentations and press releases, with special focus on discouraging the movement of firewood and other wood products that may be routes of entry.  In 2009, activities included a gubernatorial proclamation of Asian longhorned beetle awareness month in August, training of volunteers and outreach to second-homeowners from the infested towns in Massachusetts.

• Action Plan – An action plan has been developed to improve our ability to respond in the event that the Asian longhorned beetle is discovered in Vermont.

Recommendations

Do not move firewood.  Buy firewood from the area you're visiting. Ask your supplier where their wood comes from.  The Green Mountain National Forest and Vermont State Parks restrict the use of non-local firewood.
When purchasing trees from other states, check that they have been certified free of Asian longhorned beetle.
Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of Asian longhorned beetle presence or attack, and keep your eyes open for potential infestations.  Check backyard trees, street trees, and all hardwoods except oak.  Search for exit holes, egg deposit sites, piles of frass at the base of infested trees and in branch crotches, and sap leaking from wounds in the trees.

For More Information

VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, September 2009

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