Sacramento, California – Federal officials are urging residents across California 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 sycamore, willow, poplar, birch, and elm. Officials warn infestations can spread quickly if not identified and contained 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 distinct 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 at the base of trees, and thinning or dying branches in the canopy.
Hardwood trees are common throughout California’s urban neighborhoods, suburban developments, parks, and university campuses, particularly in Northern and Central California where maple and sycamore species are more concentrated.
If left unchecked, infestations can weaken tree structures, increasing the risk of falling limbs during strong Pacific storm systems, high wind events, and wildfire season when stressed trees become more vulnerable.
Previous eradication efforts in parts of the United States required the removal of thousands of trees to prevent further spread, significantly altering community landscapes and increasing municipal costs.
Students, homeowners, and commuters in tree-lined neighborhoods may be among the first to notice signs of damage this spring.
Officials stress that early detection and rapid reporting remain critical to protecting California’s hardwood ecosystems.
