Pest Alert: Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)
In 2005, Asian longhorned beetles were found at a warehouse in Sacramento, California. These pests have the potential to devastate our hardwood trees.
The Asian longhorned beetle likely hitched a ride to the U.S. in wood-based packing materials imported from China. Infestations were first discovered in New York, New Jersey, and Illinois in 1996. The insect killed thousands of trees, and removal and cleanup cost more than $168 million.
The beetle has the potential to destroy millions of acres of hardwoods, including forest, park, and backyard trees.
If you find a beetle that you suspect is an Asian longhorned beetle, collect it and immediately report it to appropriate authorities.
- Note where you found it.
- Collect the pest in a glass jar and put it in the freezer overnight.
- In California, call the California Department of Food and Agriculture at 1-800-491-1899.
In other states, find out who to notify from the USDA APHIS Web site.
Asian longhorned beetle resources
- Asian Longhorned Beetle Pest Alert (PDF, 277KB)
- ALB slide show (PowerPoint slides 1.8MB)
- California Department of Food and Agriculture Web site, ALB page
- USDA-APHIS Web site, ALB page
- USDA-Forest Service Web site, ALB page
- National Plant Diagnostic Network, Western Region
The Pest Alert fact sheet and the slide show were developed to help educate the public about what an Asian longhorned beetle looks like, the devastating impact it can have, and what to do if one is found. Use them freely for that purpose, but please respect any photo copyrights and credits. For other uses, please contact Stephanie Klunk, UC Statewide IPM Program, sjklunk@ucdavis.edu, (530) 754-6724.
