Keep your eyes open for Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer, two great threats to NH forests and landscape trees, and the businesses that rely on them.
Fall foliage tourism is worth 800million dollars per year. The timber industry is worth 1.5 billion dollars and creates 10,000 jobs. The nursery industry and urban trees are worth millions. We need to prevent these insect threats from entering our state. If they arrive, we must work to minimize their impact with sound pest management practices.
Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB). This beetle arrived in the US from Asia and attacks ma
ny species of hardwood trees. The nearest infestation is in Worcester, MA where close to 30,000 trees have been cut and chipped to prevent the beetle from spreading.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). It only attacks ash trees. This pest is also from Asia and is responsible for the mortality of millions of ash trees in the mid-west. This pest is moving closer and has been found in eastern New York, close to the Massachusetts border. We must learn how to prevent these pests from reaching NH. We must detect these pests early, before they can do significant damage in our beautiful state.
Click on the links to learn about the life cycle of these pests, how to identify them, and who to contact if you find a possible suspect.
