Michigan calls for beetle sightings reports

By Andi Anderson

Michigan state officials are alerting residents to be vigilant about spotting the invasive Asian longhorned beetle, a non-native insect that poses a serious threat to the state’s hardwood trees.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) advises residents to inspect their trees during August, designated as Tree Check Month, for signs of this destructive beetle.

The Asian longhorned beetle, identifiable by its shiny black body with white spots and distinctive black and white antennae, is known to attack 12 different types of hardwood trees.

Among its preferred targets are willows, birches, and most notably, maple trees. Michigan is home to over 1 billion maple trees, making the state particularly vulnerable to this pest.

During their larval stage, these beetles burrow into tree trunks and branches, creating tunnels that can severely damage the tree's structure. As they mature into adults during the summer, they chew their way out, leaving behind noticeable exit holes.

Although the Asian longhorned beetle has not yet been spotted in Michigan, both state and federal agencies are urging residents to remain alert for any signs of an infestation.

Early detection can prevent widespread damage to urban landscapes and protect the state’s valuable maple syrup production industry.

Nathaniel Walton, a consumer horticulture educator at Michigan State University, emphasizes the threat posed by the beetle, stating, “It doesn't have predators. Birds that are used to it know how to eat it and so these kinds of organisms that we consider invasive… take over an area more quickly. They can kill trees more quickly because the trees don't have natural defenses.”

Signs of an infestation include pencil-sized exit holes in tree trunks, shallow round scars in the bark, dead branches, and wood-like shavings near trees or branches.

Walton also highlighted the risk of the beetle entering Michigan through harvested wood that has been transported into the state without proper inspection.

With the potential for significant ecological and economic impacts, Michigan residents are urged to take action by inspecting their trees and reporting any signs of the Asian longhorned beetle to the appropriate authorities.

This collective effort is crucial in safeguarding Michigan’s forests and landscapes from this invasive threat.

Photo Credit: istock-georgeclerk