Invasive Insect Pests

vtinvasives.org – one terrific resource for invasive species resources in Vermont.

Vermont Prepares for the Invasion of the Emerald Ash Borer” June 2, 2014

VPR report by Susan Keese

Asian Longhorn Beetle

As summer arrives it’s time to be on the lookout for the Asian Longhorn Beetle. This destructive pest has been found in the surrounding states, but if it’s detected early its spread can be slowed or stopped.

Trees at risk include maple, poplar, willow, birch, ash, elm, and hackberry.

Adults are 1 to 1 ½ inches in length. They have a shiny, jet black body with white spots. The long antennae are banded in black and white.

They exit the tree through dime size holes that are perfectly round.

If you find one collect it in a jar and put it in the freezer. Contact www.vtinvasives.org 866-702-9938 or your local Forest Pest First Detector, Betsy Whittaker 802-247-1477

Don’t be fooled by the look alike. The male White Spotted Sawyer is metallic black with one white dot at the base of its wing covers. The female is brown with speckles and a white dot at the wing base.

You can help prevent the spread of the ALB. Firewood is an easy path for invasive pests. Don’t bring firewood into Vermont from out of state.