Asian
Longhorned Beetle
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Awareness
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Spreading the Word Unlike other more inconspicuous exotic pests, the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is well suited as a target for involving the public in its detection. It is a large beetle with distinctive markings that leaves characteristic signs, which people can readily see and identify. Most of the initial ALB infestations have been found by the public, not pest specialists. ALB infestations are commonly widely dispersed within a general region due to accidental movement of infested wood. It is impossible for official inspectors to check every tree. For this reason, enlisting assistance from the public in the search of this beetle is essential to increase the likelihood of detecting infestations early. ALB awareness programs aimed at alerting the public to this serious pest have been initiated in several states. Many innovative educational materials have been developed to spread the word about ALB. We started an awareness program in 1996. Every third tree in Vermont is a maple, one of the favorite hosts of ALB. ALB could be devastating to this state, both economically and environmentally. Therefore, from the start of our public awareness activities, Vermonters have been eager to help. Several of our ideas have proved very successful and will be described briefly below. |
ALB Landscape Guide |
We recently revised our ALB Landscape Guidebook which offers detailed photographs and descriptions of host trees (2005.) |
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Maple Card |
Our popular Maple Card has been reprinted recently. Widely distributed throughout New England, the maple card has been traveling along with maple cans from suppliers out to distributors and thereby, the general public. |
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Wanted posters
Available from: Bruce L. Parker, Entomology Research Laboratory 661 Spear
Street, Burlington, VT 05405-0105 Tel: 802-656-5440
E-mail: bparker@zoo.uvm.edu
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Produced by UVM
and New York ReLeaf for specialized groups in New York City (i.e.
garden clubs and concerned citizen groups) interested in ALB public
awareness.
See Beetle Buster Tool kits in the NY Daily News.
To order
identification cards for your State or to order additional cards
contact Don Tobi, Entomology Research Laboratory, 661 Spear Street, Burlington, VT 05405-0105
Tel: 802-656-5434 E-mail:
dtobi@zoo.uvm.edu
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