On the heels of the destructive Emerald Ash Borer beetle which has destroyed thousands of ash trees
across Michigan, Ohio and beyond, now comes the threat of the Asian Longhorned Beetle.
The ALB is a major threat primarily to maple trees. It is attacking a lot more variety of trees than the
EAB. It’s been found in southern Ohio and the process has started for eradication.
Pamphlets on the pest were provided last week at the Wood County Fair by local master gardeners and will
also be available at various fairs and farmer’s markets, including this week’s Pemberville Free Fair.
According to the material provided by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, the
pest likely came to this country from China inside solid wood packing material.
Potential nesting sites for the ALB includes boxelders, Norway, red, silver and sugar maples. Other
preferred hosts are birches, Ohio buckeye, elm, horsechestnut and willows. Ashes and poplars are also
among possible host trees.
Currently the only effective means to eliminate ALB is to remove infested trees and destroy them by
chipping or burning. To prevent further spread of the insect, quarantines are established to avoid
transporting infested trees and branches from the area.
"Early detection of infestations and rapid treatment response are crucial to successful eradication
of the beetle," the ODA pamphlet reads.
Adult beetles are usually present from July to October, but can be found later in the fall if
temperatures are warm.
What to look for:
Adult beetles average an inch long with most within a 1‚Ñ4 inch of that. It’s antennae extend up to 21‚Ñ2
inches longer. There are distinctive black and white bands on each segment.
If you suspect an
Oval to round pits and oozing sap can be found in the bark of infected trees.
ALB infestation, collect an adult beetle in a jar, place the jar in the freezer and immediately notify
the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the USDA or the local OSU Extension office. You may also call (866)
702-9938.
More details at www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/alb/
