Tuesday, July 06, 2010

They're Spreading! You've Been Warned...



This weekend a small infestation of Asian longhorned beetle was found in Jamaica Plain (Boston). The site is at Faulkner Hospital, just across from the Arnold Arboretum. Six infested maple trees were found so far, in close proximity to each other, and have already been removed by USDA/DCR. Surveys will continue this week to determine the extent of the infestation.

It is extremely important that we get the word out ASAP to everyone in the Boston, Brookline and Newton area to be on the lookout for:

  1. Adult Asian longhorned beetles (shiny black beetles with white spots and long, banded antennae)

  2. ALB exit holes (dime-sized, perfectly round holes, especially in maple, but also in birch, elm, horse chestnut, willow and other hardwood trees.but not oak)

  3. ALB egg-laying sites (divots in the bark ranging in size from 1/4 to 3/4 inches across - fresh pits often have oozing, foaming sap)

Anyone seeing anything suspicious should report it immediately at MASSNRC or call toll-free: 1-866-702-9938. Take photos if you can.

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