BARNSTABLE – August is Tree Check Month and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking for the public’s help in eradicating a dangerous insect.
The Asian longhorned beetle will kill any tree they infect and then infect other trees, according to Gary Woodward, USDA Undersecretary.
“The adult beetles are most active this time of year, so that’s the easiest thing to look for–this big shiny black beetle with white spots and great big, long antennae,” he said.
He advised what to look for when you check your trees.
“When the tree is infested with the Asian long-horned beetle, the beetle is going to kill that tree one way or another,” he said.
Woodward said if you see these insects, contact the USDA at AsianLongHornedBeetle.com.
Staff from USDA will investigate and treat the tree if necessary.
