ASK A MASTER GARDENER – Asian Long-Horned Beetle

The Asian Long-Horned Beetle is one of several invasive insects accidentally introduced into Canada from Asia. This insect likely entered the Country m wooden pallets used for shipping. Once loose in our environment, insects from other countries can often feed unchecked as they do not have natural predators to reduce their populations. Two of the Most serious pests include:

1. Asian Long-Horned BeetleThis beetle has a shiny black body covered with white spots and is 2 to 3.5cm long. It has long antennae with black and white bands. This beetle prefers birch; elm, hackberry, horse chestnut, maple, mountain ash, poplar, sycamore and willow.

Currently the infestation has been limited to parts of Toronto and Vaughan.

Signs of infestation include: Exit holes in the bark, 1 cm across Oval wounds on bark created by egg-

laying Sawdust on branches or tree bases from

feeding larvae

2. The Emarald Ash Borer The Emerald Ash Borer is a highly destructive pest which attacks all varieties of ash. Adults are usually bronze or golden green, with metallic, emerald green wing covers. Larvae are white to cream-colored and reach a length of 26 to 32 mm. This insect is native to eastern Asia and was first discovered in Canada and the U.S. in 2002. Since then, this insect has gone on to destroy most of the ash trees in Windsor, Essex and Kent Counties, Detroit and parts of Michigan. In 2004, the pest was also found in Indiana and Ohio.

Signs of infestation include: Tree decline large portions of tree die suddenly. D-shaped emergence holes Bark may split above areas where feeding has occurred. Larvae leave S-shaped tunnels in outer sap wood.

What can you do? 1. Report sightings to the Canadian Food lnspection Agency.

Call l-800-442-2342 or 1-866-463-60172. Avoid moving trees or firewood into or out of these infested areas. 3. Learn more about these and other pests at www.mspection.gc.ca