Asian Longhorned Beetle
CRITICALAnoplophora glabripennis
Overview
A large wood-boring beetle that attacks hardwoods including maples, elms, willows, and birches. Native to China and Korea, it was first detected in New York in 1996. Infestations can kill trees within a few years.
- Type
- Insect
- Severity
- CRITICAL
- Source
- USDA APHIS
Symptoms
Round exit holes approximately 3/8 inch in diameter, frass (sawdust) at base of tree and branch crotches, pitted egg-laying sites on bark, branch dieback in upper canopy
Affected Species
Geographic Spread
Treatments
Detection and Removal
Infested trees and nearby high-risk host trees are removed and chipped or burned under USDA APHIS quarantine protocols. The primary eradication strategy where infestations are detected early.
Systemic Insecticide Treatment
Imidacloprid trunk injection or soil application on high-value trees in quarantine zones as a preventive measure. Not a substitute for removal of confirmed infested trees.
Recommended Products & Tools
Helpful supplies for managing Asian Longhorned Beetle. Always read and follow label directions, and confirm a diagnosis before treating.
Knocks down soft-bodied pests like aphids, mites, and scale crawlers.
Smothers overwintering eggs and crawlers; dormant or summer rates.
Soil-applied protection taken up by the tree for season-long control.
Sharp, clean cuts to remove affected wood — a tree-care essential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asian Longhorned Beetle?
A large wood-boring beetle that attacks hardwoods including maples, elms, willows, and birches. Native to China and Korea, it was first detected in New York in 1996. Infestations can kill trees within a few years.
What are the symptoms of Asian Longhorned Beetle?
Round exit holes approximately 3/8 inch in diameter, frass (sawdust) at base of tree and branch crotches, pitted egg-laying sites on bark, branch dieback in upper canopy
What plants are affected by Asian Longhorned Beetle?
Asian Longhorned Beetle affects American Sycamore, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, American Elm, Paper Birch, Weeping Willow. Susceptibility varies by species.
How do I treat Asian Longhorned Beetle?
Treatment options for Asian Longhorned Beetle include: Detection and Removal, Systemic Insecticide Treatment. Treatment approaches may include chemical, biological, cultural, and mechanical methods depending on the severity and context.
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