Olympia, Washington – Federal officials are urging residents across Washington state 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, willow, poplar, and elm. Officials warn infestations can spread quickly if not detected 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 length. Signs of infestation include perfectly round exit holes in tree trunks, sawdust-like material at the base, and thinning or dying branches in the canopy.
Hardwood trees are common across Washington’s urban neighborhoods, river corridors, parks, and university campuses, particularly in Western Washington where maple and birch species are widespread.
If left unchecked, infestations can weaken tree structures, increasing the risk of falling limbs during Pacific storm systems, heavy rain events, and high wind conditions common in the region.
Past outbreaks in other states have required the removal of thousands of trees to prevent further spread, significantly altering community landscapes and increasing municipal costs.
Students, commuters, and homeowners in wooded neighborhoods 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 Washington’s hardwood ecosystems.
