Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Treatment in Cincinnati

Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Adults (photo courtesy of Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org)

The Asian longhorned beetle is an invasive, non-native pest which is believed to have arrived in the United States in shipments of commercially prepared wood products originating in the Orient. While the first case of the beetle in the U.S. was detected in Brooklyn, scientists recently confirmed the presence of the Asian longhorned beetle in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ohio is the fifth state with confirmed cases of the beetle, which could take a devastating toll on local forests and the local economy. To date, nearly 10,000 trees have been confirmed hosts of the destructive pest, with tens of thousands more at risk. Dealing with the Asian longhorned beetle could cost taxpayers untold sums of money and require the sacrifice of thousands of trees which beautify our city and state. Maple trees are at the greatest risk, as this species of beetle prefers to feed on maple bark, but ash, birch, elm, poplars and willow trees are among the other major species which are at elevated risk.

Help Eliminate the Asian Longhorned Beetle in the Cincinnati Area

Asian Longhorned Beetle Boring Into a Tree
(photo courtesy of Michael Bohne, Bugwood.org)

Pest control authorities are reaching out to everyday citizens to help them track down infestations. The best way to spot an infestation is to look for the beetle itself. Its physical characteristics are as follows:

• Length: 1 to 1.5 inches
• Shiny black body flecked with easily identifiable white spots
• Antennae that exceed the length of the beetle’s body; they feature alternating bands of black and white
• Some Asian longhorned beetles have blue coloration on their feet and legs

Also, look for dime-sized, perfectly circular holes in the bark of trees and evidence that the beetle has been boring into the bark. Small collections of sawdust-like material can be found around the base of infested trees.

There are two treatments for Asian longhorned beetle infestations:

• Chemicals. Infested trees may be treated with chemicals that will kill the beetle and its larvae.
• Tree removal. Unfortunately, the destruction and removal of all infested or potentially infested trees is the only other option, especially if the infestation is widespread in a concentrated area.

A certified arborist at Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc. can determine the extent of the infestation, make treatment recommendations, and suggest the most economic course of action. If you have discovered signs of an Asian longhorned beetle infestation, or if you would like further information, please call us at 513-351-6100 or fill out our contact form before this pest wreaks havoc on our beautiful city and state.

Click the following link to read our blog posts and get the latest information about the impact of the Asian longhorned beetle on the Greater Cincinnati area.