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Asian Longhorned Beetle

Asian longhorned beetle is an invasive pest native to east Asia. Its larvae tunnel deep into the trunk and branches of hardwood trees causing structural damage.  Significantly damaged trees can fall or lose branches in windy conditions causing property damage or personal injury.  Common host tree species are ash, birch, elm, golden raintree, sycamore, maple, horse chestnut, katsura, mimosa, mountain ash, poplar, and willow.

Common Questions

Is there an established population in Vermont?

No. The Asian longhorned beetle is not established in Vermont. The nearest population is in central Massachusetts.

Are they under a federal quarantine?

Yes. When Asian longhorned beetle infestations are found, USDA-APHIS and State officials establish quarantines or regulated areas around them. Quarantines help with beetle eradication by restricting the movement of Asian longhorned beetle and host materials (such as maple and other host tree logs and firewood). This minimizes the chance of infestations spreading to new locations.

What agricultural problems do they cause?

Asian longhorned beetles can kill sugar maple trees. It may take them a long time, but the ½” tunnels that their larvae (immature insect stages) make in trees may eventually girdle and kill the trees. Maple syrup is an important Vermont crop and VAAFM’s goals is to prevent introduction and establishment of Asian longhorned beetle in Vermont.

Is there an external quarantine?

Yes. Certain articles are regulated to prohibit the introduction of Asian longhorned beetle into Vermont.  Firewood is regulated in Vermont to mitigate the spread of Asian longhorned beetle and other pests that can be spread readily by firewood.

What the Agency is doing?

VAAFM conducts annual surveys along with other state and federal colleagues, ever since an Asian longhorned beetle infestation was discovered in Massachusetts in 2008. It has a long-term education and outreach mission and receives federal grants that go towards a Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator who leads this education effort.  During VAAFM routine nursery inspections it performs visual surveys on host tree species and trained staff look for the unique signs of Asian longhorned beetle infestations as they travel around the state. 

 

Additional Resources