Q.  Has the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) been eradicated?

A.  No, it has not been fully eradicated.  One of NYC’s most common street trees, the Norway maple, is also one of ALB’s preferred species for growing and laying its eggs. For a list of ALB host species, visit the U.S. Forest Service Northeastern area website. NYC Parks Department has a list of both approved and prohibited tree species to use as street trees.

Q. What does the Asian Longhorned Beetle look like?

A. The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) is large, 0.75-1.25 inches long, with long black and white antennae, and a black body with white spots. Adult beetles emerge from host trees as early as June, creating round exit holes approx. 3/8” in diameter. Heavily infested trees may be accompanied by frass (sawdust) and sap oozing from the holes.   

Asian Longhorned Beetle (Donald Duerr, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org)

Q. How can we help stop the spread of the Asian Longhorned Beetle?

A. The most effective way to prevent the spread of ALB is not to move firewood.  Similar to the Emerald Ash Borer, ALB does not die when trees are cut into firewood, and eggs and larvae may not be easily visible.  Firewood should only be purchased and burned locally.

To determine whether or not you are living in quarantine zone for ALB, visit the USDA APHIS Newsroom webpage.

To learn more about ALB in NYC, please visit the NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation ALB Alert webpage, which includes a map of the most recent infestation area. All infested trees must be removed immediately, wood chipped and burned. The NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets will remove infested trees on private property at no cost; NYC Dept. of Parks will remove infested NYC park and street trees. If you suspect ALB infestation, please contact your borough forestry office or 311 immediately.  

Improper disposal of wood waste in this zone could cause further spread of the Asian Longhorned Beetle so it is very important that residents dispose of their wood debris properly.  

If you have identified an ALB in a tree in New York City call 877-STOP-ALB to report a beetle sighting.