Cycling is a great way to travel. You are moving at a speed that is quick enough to get you places on time, but not so fast that everything speeds by in a blur. Because cyclists are uniquely situated to take a good look at there surroundings we are asking everyone to be on the lookout for Asian Longhorn Beetles.



We just received this information from the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources—please read this, spread the word, and help stop the spread of this critter that required 27,000 trees to be cut down in Worcester in 2008-2009.

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This weekend a small infestation of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) 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.

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, horsechestnut, 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 http://massnrc.org/pests/albreport.aspx or toll-free: 1-866-702-9938. Take photos if you can.

If you are with an environmental group or other organization that needs outreach materials, we will provide you with ID cards, fact sheets, etc., for free. Just contact Jen Forman Orth ([email protected]; 617-626-1735)

Spread the word, not the beetle! Get all the latest ALB news at: http://massnrc.org/pests/alb