Austin, Texas – Federal officials are urging residents across Texas to kill an invasive beetle on sight as it threatens hardwood trees this spring.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) attacks and kills maple trees along with other hardwood species, including elm, willow, poplar, birch, and sycamore. Officials warn infestations can spread quickly if not identified early.
The agency’s directive is clear: if the beetle is found, it should be destroyed immediately and reported to state agricultural or forestry authorities.
The insect is identifiable by its glossy black body with white spots and long black-and-white banded antennae extending beyond its body. Signs of infestation include round exit holes in tree trunks, sawdust-like material near the base, and thinning or dying branches in the canopy.
Hardwood trees are common across Texas neighborhoods, river corridors, suburban developments, and university campuses, particularly in Central and East Texas where elm, sycamore, and maple species are more concentrated.
If left unchecked, infestations can weaken tree structures, increasing the risk of falling limbs during severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricane-related wind events that impact parts of the state.
Past outbreaks in other states have required the removal of thousands of trees to prevent further spread, significantly altering urban tree canopies and increasing municipal costs.
Students, homeowners, and commuters in wooded communities may be among the first to notice visible signs of damage this spring.
Officials stress that early detection and rapid reporting remain critical to protecting Texas hardwood ecosystems.
