History

• In 1996, the Asian longhorned beetle was discovered in Brooklyn, New York. Several hardwood trees were found to be infested. An extraordinary emergency state was declared by the Secretary of Agriculture, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The beetles were believed to have invaded the U.S. on wooden packing material and pallets that were shipped in from China.
  
  

Habitat Spread and Appearance

• The beetles spread from Brooklyn, New York to Long Island, Manhattan and Queens. Eventually infestations were reported in Massachusetts, Illinois and New Jersey. The adult beetles are normally observed in the late spring and fall. They measure up to 1 1/2 inches in length and have a glossy black body with a few white spots. The beetles' long antennas appear to be black and white banded.
  
  

Preferred Species

• The preferred tree species for the Asian longhorned beetle is the maple tree but any hardwood will do. The beetles have been found to infest the black locust, elm, horsechestnut, willow, poplar and ash trees, according to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
  
  

Symptoms

• The adult Asian longhorned beetles lay eggs on the chosen hardwood tree species. Once the eggs hatch, larvae emerge and begin to tunnel into the tree. The crown of the tree will suffer severe die-back. Soon the entire tree perishes under the onslaught of the larvae eating its vascular system.
  
  

Eradication

• Total eradication of the infested tree is the only acceptable control measure currently. The tree must be cut down and either burned or processed through a chipper. Once the tree is chipped, the pieces must measure no greater then 1 inch in length and then the chips must be burnt. Applications of Imidacloprid on the bark and branches of healthy trees help to destroy the adult beetles when they nibble on the tree prior to laying their eggs. Soil injections of insecticides around the tree's base
  also help to prevent the infestations.