Asian Longhorned Beetle Adult - Image from TreeHugger.com
The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis is an invasive pest found in trees. Asian Longhorned Beetle grows and reproduces in deciduous hardwood trees like maple, ash, elm, birch, poplar, and willow. ALB will eventually kill the infested host tree. The ALB was accidentally imported into the United States inside the hardwood crates and pallets from Asian countries. The United State Department of Agriculture Forest Service is currently conducting eradication efforts in New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey. The Asian Longhorned Beetle larvae bore holes through the inside of the tree and eventually kill any infested tree.
Asian Longhorned Beetle Control
Asian Longhorned Beetle Larvae - Image from www.invasive.org by Thomas B. Denholm
The USDA Forest Service and Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) uses effective preventative treatments to control ALB along with the removal of infested trees. APHIS researchers have found Imidacloprid to be the most effective active ingredient. APHIS recommends Arborjet tree injection equipment in environmentally sensitive areas. Tree injection of pesticide reduces the risks of exposure to kids, pets, and the environment so it’s the prefered method to deliver imidacloprid.
Imidacloprid Treatments for ALB
Reggie Wilson injected a tree with pesticide in Staten Island on Wednesday. About 13,000 trees, the lucky ones, are getting such treatment. - Caption from The New York Times
Imidacloprid can be drenched into the soil underneath trees, however this is creating public concern since soil applied pesticides may put children, pets, and the environment at risk. Arborjet’s innovative tree injection methods directly inject imidacloprid into the trunk of the tree. Tree injection seals the imidacloprid inside the tree where it systemically moves inside the tree.
What is IMA-jet?
Davey Tree Applicator using Arborjet Hydraulic Tree Injection Device for Asian Longhorned Beetle.
IMA-jet is a liquid insecticide specially formulated for tree injections. IMA-jet contains 5% imidacloprid and a proprietary solvent system that quickly distributes imidacloprid throughout the tree. Tree injection is the safest way to apply imidacloprid to control Asian Longhorned Beetle.
