New York, New York – Federal officials are urging residents across New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts 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 birch, elm, willow, poplar, and horse chestnut. Officials warn the insect can spread quickly if not detected early.
The directive from federal authorities is clear: if found, the beetle should be destroyed immediately and reported to state agricultural or forestry agencies.
The insect is identifiable by its glossy black body with distinct white spots and long black-and-white banded antennae. Signs of infestation include round exit holes in tree trunks, sawdust-like material at the base, and thinning or dying branches in the canopy.
Hardwood trees line residential streets, commuter corridors, parks, and college campuses throughout the tri-state region. When infested, trees can weaken structurally, increasing the risk of falling limbs during storms and high winds.
Past eradication efforts in parts of New York and Massachusetts required the removal of thousands of trees to prevent further spread, significantly altering local neighborhoods and increasing municipal costs.
Students, commuters, and homeowners in wooded communities may be among the first to notice visible signs of damage.
Officials stress that early detection and rapid reporting this spring remain critical to protecting regional forests and urban tree canopies.
