This year New York celebrated its first Invasive Species Awareness Week. Across the state, organizations and communities rallied to educate people about the damage caused by invaders. They gave workshops on pest ID. They even pulled weeds. Awareness Week was a great success, serving as a reminder for year-round vigilance in dealing with invasive species.
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Big and bold in designer black and white makes ABL a standout.
Among the worst is the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB). Because it’s a killer; because of the potential for re-infestation, nearly 130,000 trees have been cut down since it first appeared in 1996. Last summer a new infestation was found on Long Island. More than 450 infested trees and many others at risk had to be cut down and chipped. If it gets into our forests — watch out.
So help save our trees. It’s easy — learn the signs! ALB is large and leaves dime-sized emergence holes on tree trunks and branches — especially in August, when peak numbers of adults emerge from trees. Look for big, shiny black beetles about 1 to 1.5 inches long. They’ll have white spots and long, black-and-white antennae. And if you or your friends have an outdoor pool, check filters and skimmers for this critter. It could just be the least-expensive tactic for finding them yet.
Found one? Put it in a jar with a tight lid and contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Now.
Early detection and rapid response are our best hope against ALB. Join the fight!
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