August is “Tree Check Month.” M-DNR wants residents to search hardwood trees – like maple, birch, elm and willow - for the Asian Longhorned Beetle, called A-L-B. It hasn’t been spotted in Michigan yet, but there is an active infestation in Ohio.
Cheryl Nelson is a forester with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. She says ALB is black, has white spots and long antennae with alternating black and white bands. And it burrows deep into hardwood trees to lay eggs:
“Another key thing to look for are the exit holes where when they're an adult, they're two their way out of the tree. Leaving a round hole that's big enough you could stick up pencil in.”
If you find it, report to the USDA ALB hotline. Nelson warns the only way to get rid of ALB is drastic; by removing the trees.
