Dr. Phil Lewis, USDA, shows Channel 5 News how the Arborjet device injects trees to protect them from Asian Longhorned Beetle - image from Channel 5 Boston

In the spring of 2010, The USDA plans to treat thousands of trees in the Worcester area using Arborjet tree injections.  Chemicals will be injected directly into trees to protect them from Asian Longhorned Beetle.

Since August 2008, when this invasive pest was first discovered in Worcester, the USDA has worked hard to reduce the Asian Longhorned Beetle population in the area.  So far there has been signs of success, resulting from a combined effort of infested tree removals, non-infested host tree removals, quarantines, public education, and more. 

Clint McFarland of the USDA said, “We had to remove over 25,000 trees this year…very traumatic for residents, but versus the 1,000’s and 1,000’s of beetles that we were witnessing last year we have found 29 beetles this year.”

The USDA is training volunteers on how to survey for the Asian Longhorned Beetle throughout the state of Massachusetts.  Surrounding New England states are also on the lookout and beginning to educate residents. 

Flyer from the USDA

On November 15th, there was a Scientific Demonstration of Arborjet tree injection performed by APHIS research entomologist Dr. Phil Lewis. 

Today and tomorrow (Nov. 18 & 19), the USDA is testing a fall treatment strategy to help save more trees in Worcester.

 
Also, there is an Asian Longhorned Beetle Town Hall Meeting in Worcester on November 23, 2009 from 5:30 – 7:30.  It’s at the Quinsigamond Community College and it’s open to the public.

For information about the beetle and management program, you can call the Massachusetts ALB program at 1-866-702-9938.

Access these websites for more info:
www.aphis.usda.gov
www.beetlebusters.info
massnrc.org/pests/alb