You Are Here: Management Updates 2008 Archive August 26, 2008

Date: August 26, 2008
Category: Announcements
Subject: Asian Longhorned Beetle Found in Massachusetts

Photo by Bob Childs, UMass Extension

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) has been positively identified in an infestation in the Greendale section (northeast sector) of Worcester, MA. Personnel from the USDA PPQ and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) inspected the site on Saturday August 2, 2008 and discovered the infestation. The inspection was prompted by the keen observations and persistence of a local resident who suspected the presence of this exotic invader. Positive verification occurred on Tuesday (8/5/08) from the authority at the USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory in Beltsville, MD. The USDA APHIS and Forest Service, MDCR and MDAR have been meeting frequently with Worcester City officials to formulate the plan for the management and eradication of this pest population.

Only cursory surveys have been conducted thus far and the exact area regulated would change if more infested trees are found.  Organized and thorough survey work will begin soon. Once the exact details of the federal quarantine are published a link will appear at the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry web site at http://www.umassgreeninfo.org . UMass Extension will remain on the forefront for the dissemination of information as it becomes available. MDAR will continue to respond to any reports of suspected new findings and the City of Worcester has set up a ‘Hotline FAQ’ , see below.

Additional resources for Asian Longhorned Beetle information in Massachusetts:

• Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)

  Report ALB sightings at: http://www.massnrc.org/pests/albreport.aspx or call 617–626–1779 (Pest Alert Hotline)

• City of Worcester: Office of the City Manager

  Visit http://www.ci.worcester.ma.us/cmo/beetles.htm or call 508–929–1300

• UMass Extension

  Stay tuned to the the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry web site at http://www.umassgreeninfo.org
  

Submitted by: The UMass Extension Turf Program

DISCLAIMER - As always, it is the responsibility of the applicator to verify the registration status of any pesticide BEFORE applying it. Different states have different regulations as well. The author and the University of Massachusetts are not liable for any consequences of any pesticide "recommendations". Mention of any trade name is not to be considered endorsement of a product.

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