Ohio Faces Asian Longhorned Beetle

Trees in Ohio are under attack by foreign invaders. The Asian Longhorned Beetle was accidentally introduced to the United States from Asia in 1996 and has been wreaking havoc on trees in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and now Ohio. The Asian Longhorned Beetle was found in Clermont County in June 2011. The beetle threatens Ohio’s $2.5 billion in standing maple timber and the $5 billion nursery industry, which employs 240,000 people.

In an effort to prevent the spread of this insect, numerous restrictions regarding the transportation of branches, roots and stumps have been implemented. These efforts have successfully led to the eradication of the beetle in Illinois and New Jersey. Citizens can assist in these efforts by checking trees for the spread of the Asian Longhorned Beetle by looking for the telltale signs of infestation.

This pest loves to munch on maple, ash, birch and elm trees. It bores into the tissue that conducts water and nutrients to the tree, causing it to starve.

Mature beetles emerge from trees in late May through October and will leave behind dime-size (a quarter of an inch or larger), perfectly round exit holes.

There will also be shallow scars in bark where the eggs are laid. Sawdust-like materials, called frass, can be seen on the ground and the branches. The branches themselves may be dead or dying. The final sign is spotting the beetle itself.

For more information about the Asian Longhorned Beetle, contact your local extension agent or visit AsianLonghornedBeetle.com.