Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Blog

ALB Tree Surveys: Volunteers Needed!

2009-10-28T15:19:00.007-04:00

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources Asian Longhorned Beetle tree surveys in Boston and Springfield.

These are both street tree surveys. There will be a brief training session before the survey starts, and all the supplies you need will be provided, including binoculars (or bring them if you have them). You should bring comfortable walking shoes and drinking water.

Survey schedule:

Springfield - Monday, Nov. 9th, 12pm-1:30pm
Meet at Mom and Rico’s, 899 Main St., Springfield, MA
Co-sponsored by the Springfield Dept. of Parks & Recreation
Download a flyer for the event here

Boston - Saturday, Nov. 14th, 9am-11am (Rain date Sunday, Nov. 15th)
Meet at the intersection of Commonwealth Ave. Mall and Arlington St. (look for folks wearing ALB buttons)
Co-sponsored by the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay and Friends of the Public Garden
Download a flyer for the event here

To register for either event, contact Jennifer at 617-626-1735 or email jennifer.forman-orth AT state.ma.us.

Pest Alert: Mile-a-minute vine

2009-09-28T10:14:00.003-04:00

Mile-a-minute vine (Polygonum perfoliatum), an invasive vine native to eastern Asia, has been confirmed in two new counties in Massachusetts.

Also known as "devil's tail" or "Asiatic tear-thumb," mile-a-minute vine was first discovered in Massachusetts in 2006 in two locations: Falmouth (Barnstable County) and Milton (Norfolk County). Through a multi-agency effort to uncover new populations of this pervasive weed before it becomes established in Massachusetts, mile-a-minute vine has now been confirmed in the towns of Greenfield and Erving (Franklin County) and in Littleton (Middlesex County).

The plants found in Greenfield were removed once identification was confirmed, and state officials will continue to monitor the site over the next several years to remove any new seedlings that are found. The mile-a-minute vine population in Erving is currently being assessed to determine the best way to manage it. In addition, a report from Boston this past August led state officials to two seedlings which were immediately removed, and a survey of the area revealed no other mile-a-minute plants. The previously known populations of mile-a-minute vine in Milton and Falmouth are being monitored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and are currently under eradication.

Mile-a-minute vine can be recognized by its perfectly triangular leaves, barbed stems, and clusters of metallic-blue berries. If left alone, this vine can quickly cover large areas, scrambling over other plants as well as fences and other structures. Several other vines may be confused with this invasive species, including bindweed, fleecevine, and Asiatic bittersweet. The University of Connecticut website offers a comparison of similar species.

For more information about mile-a-minute vine, or to report a potential sighting in Massachusetts, visit our mile-a-minute vine fact sheet, or call 617-626-1779.

To sign up for pest and pathogen alerts from the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project, visit this page.

Photo credit: Todd Mervosh, CT Agricultural Experiment Station

Yet Another ALB 'Lookalike' Species: The Western Conifer Seed Bug

2009-09-19T15:56:00.005-04:00

Reports sometimes come in through our ALB reporting form from Massachusetts residents worried that they have seen Asian longhorned beetles inside their houses. In actuality, many of these reports turn out to be another ALB 'look-alike' species: the Western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis). This insect has a brown body about 3/4 of an inch long, alternating white and brown marks on its lower body surrounding the wings, and back legs that have a distinct flattened leaf-like shape (see photo). The Asian longhorned beetle, by contrast, has a very shiny black body with prominent white spots. Also, the antennae of the Western conifer seed bug are brown and lack the alternating black and white bands found on the antennae of ALB.

Unlike Asian longhorned beetles, which overwinter as wormlike larvae, deep inside hardwood trees, adult Western conifer seed bugs escape cold temperatures by seeking shelter in houses and other warm locations. At this time of year, you may find a Western conifer seed bug lurking around the foundation of your house, or buzzing around a window screen looking to escape the approaching autumn weather. If you have encountered this insect pest before, you may also have had the unpleasant experience of smelling the acrid, citrusy-smelling liquid it emits when startled.

Western conifer seed bugs are native to the west coast of the USA, but have been established on the east coast since the 1990s. Unlike ALB, a non-native and serious pest of hardwood trees, the Western conifer seed bug is only considered a minor pest of the coniferous trees they attack (pine, Douglas fir and hemlock). However, these bugs can be a major inconvenience if they find a way to enter your home. Small infestations can be handled by sealing up any crevices that the bugs could be using to sneak in (holes in screens, chimneys, loose window fittings, etc.) and by capturing escapees by hand or by shop vac. Larger infestations may require consultation with a licensed pest specialist.

To learn more about the Western conifer seed bug, read this fact sheet from Cornell University's Insect Diagnostic Laboratory. To report a potential sighting of Asian longhorned beetle, click here.

Help Needed: ALB Tree Surveys

2009-09-15T10:25:00.009-04:00

Volunteers are needed NOW to assist the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources with Asian Longhorned Beetle tree surveys in the Boston and Springfield areas. The surveys are being held to train volunteers and to raise awareness about the beetle in parts of the state where ALB is more likely to show up (but hasn't yet!):

Boston: THIS THURSDAY, Sept. 17, 12pm-1:30pm, Boston Public Garden

Springfield: Saturday, Sept. 26th, 10am-11:30am, South Springfield, meeting location TBD

No experience necessary, we'll train you on site! Register and get a free ALB t-shirt. Call 617-626-1735 or email jennifer.forman-orth@state.ma.us for details.

For the latest information about the Asian longhorned beetle in Massachusetts, or to report a potential sighting, click here.

Help Needed: Fight Mile-a-Minute Vine

2009-09-09T09:02:00.009-04:00

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking volunteers to help pull mile-a-minute vine in Fowl Meadow, part of the Blue Hills Reservation. Mile-a-minute vine (Polygonum perfoliatum, "MAM"), an invasive species native to Asia, was discovered in Fowl Meadow in 2006 and now covers more than 40 acres. Fowl Meadow is an area of critical environmental concern, a habitat for over 10 rare and endangered species now threatened by this fast-growing vine.

Mile-a-minute in Fowl Meadow (Photo by Alexandra Echandi, DCR)

Mile-a-minute vine can be recognized by its distinct, triangular-shaped leaves, barbed stems, and clusters of bright blue fruits. It is an annual plant whose fruits are attractive to both birds and mammals, and whose seeds can live up to five years in the soil.

DCR is seeking to pull out as much of the Fowl Meadow mile-a-minute vine as possible, in order to reduce next year's populations levels. Pulling sessions are being held this Thursday (9/17/09), 8:00-11:30am and Friday (9/18/09) 8:00am-3:00pm, and more sessions will be scheduled over the next few weeks. If you are interested in lending a hand, please call 617-981-0817.

Photo by winged photography

Input Sought on Wood Packaging/Firewood Regs

2009-08-31T12:19:00.008-04:00

APHIS is seeking input on the issue of whether the federal government should regulate crates, pallets, cable drums and spools, and other forms of wood packaging that moves in the interstate and domestic market, as well as firewood that moves across state lines. The purpose of this regulation would be to prevent spread of introduced insects and other pests from areas where they have become established to other vulnerable areas.

To read the full documentation and submit comments, visit the Federal Register. The "Submit Comments" button is on the top right side of the page. Comments are due by October 26, 2009.

The Broadnecked Root Borer: Not to be Confused with ALB

2009-07-14T16:09:00.018-04:00

In addition to the eyed click beetle and the whitespotted sawyer beetle, another insect commonly mistaken for the Asian longhorned beetle ("ALB") is the broadnecked root borer (Prionus laticollis). The broadnecked root borer is a black or reddish brown beetle, up to one and a half inches long, whose appearance differs from ALB in that it is more robust and does not have white spots. The root borer's antennae are also shorter than that of ALB - less than a body length in the male (top photo) and even shorter in the female (bottom photo). The female also has a visible ovipositor when laying eggs, unlike ALB.

Similar to ALB, the root borer is considered a pest species of deciduous trees; however, unlike ALB, it is a native species and has a much wider distribution, covering much of the eastern U.S. and southern Canada. As its name implies, the root borer causes damage to the root system of the tree, while ALB damages the upper canopy. The root borer attacks some of the same tree species as ALB, including maple and willow, however, unlike the ALB, the root borer is also a pest of shrubs, fruit trees, pecan, hickory, oak and dogwood.

During the life cycle of the root borer the larvae hatch from eggs laid in soil or under leaf litter and then tunnel towards and feed upon tree and shrub roots. Root borers pupate in the soil before emerging as adults, unlike ALB which pupates in the heartwood of trees. Root borers typically attack weakened trees and shrubs, so to avoid this pest, keep your plants healthy. If you suspect one of your trees or shrubs has root borer damage, it is best to consult a certified arborist or other tree care expert.

Photo credits: Michael Bohne, USFS

ALB Train-the-Trainer Sessions

2009-07-13T08:42:00.009-04:00

Update: New session on 8/26 at 8:30am just added! The 8/11 Boston session is now full! Email jennifer.forman-orth AT state.ma.us to be notified of future sessions.

The Asian Longhorned Beetle Outreach and Survey Project is looking for volunteers to receive training about ALB and other forest pests. Register now for an Asian Longhorned Beetle "Train the Trainer" session and get the tools you need to teach others about Asian longhorned beetle and protect your neighborhood from this invasive pest!

These sessions, organized by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, are geared towards environmental group leaders, tree care professionals, master gardeners, and anyone else that is willing to commit to passing on this valuable information to the rest of the community. Come to a train-the-trainer session and leave with:

The ability to recognize ALB and tree damage caused by ALB
Tips to distinguish ALB from similar species and to recognize when tree damage is not caused by ALB
Copies of various outreach materials and other cool ALB gear to distribute to the people you will be training
Access to beetle specimens and damaged wood for your own training sessions
The latest information on the infestation in Worcester

Boston sessions (UMass Boston)

August 26th, 8:30am-10:30am
August 11th, 6pm-8pm (SESSION NOW FULL!)
July 28th, 8:30am-10:30am (SESSION NOW FULL!)

Springfield sessions: Emma’s Place, 1464 Parker St. Springfield, MA

Breakfast or dinner (pizza!) will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Sign up via the links above, or email jennifer.forman-orth AT state.ma.us, or call 617-626-1735.

Pathogen Alert: Late Blight of Potato and Tomato

2009-07-02T15:02:00.003-04:00

Late blight, a destructive disease caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a pathogen of tomato and potato plants that has recently been found in several states in the Northeast, including Maine, New York and Pennsylvania. The late blight has been identified on tomato transplants sold in big box stores and other garden centers under the brand name Bonnie Plants, and has also been found in a potato field in Pennsylvania. Because a few instances of late blight have now been detected on tomato plants in our state, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is asking anyone growing tomatoes or potatoes to monitor them for signs of the disease, in order to prevent its further spread.

Late blight, the disease that was responsible for the Irish potato famine in the mid-19th century, is caused by a fungus-like pathogen that spreads through splashing rain or wind currents. Spores can disperse from one to several miles from the point of origin, with the infection spreading most efficiently in conditions of high moisture and temperatures ranging from 60° to 80°F.

Symptoms of late blight include small olive green or brown lesions on the upper surface of the foliage or the stems. Under moist conditions, there is a white, fuzzy growth on the underside of the leaves where the lesions occur, but the absence of this growth does not rule out late blight. Eventually the lesions turn black, leaves start to die, and then the entire plant dies.

This is a serious, destructive disease that can spread quite rapidly when conditions are right, infecting an entire field within days. Any gardeners who suspect they have tomato or potato plants infected with late blight should dig them up, place them in plastic bags, and dispose of them in the trash. Commercial growers wishing to control late blight should begin spraying fungicide immediately, even before symptoms are spotted. Spraying must continue regularly, using a product containing chlorothalonil, a state restricted fungicide which requires certification to use. Growers should be prepared to destroy the plants if the late blight starts to become severe.

For more information about late blight of potato and tomato, including diagnostic images, see the following websites:

If you think you have seen late blight of potato and tomato, you can report here, or call the MDAR Plant Pest Hotline at 617-626-1779.

To sign up for pest and pathogen alerts from the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project, visit this page.

(Photo by Rob Wick, Plant Pathologist, UMass Amherst)

The Eyed Click Beetle: Another ALB "Look-Alike"

2009-06-25T11:33:00.053-04:00

The whitespotted sawyer is not the only species which is frequently mistaken for the Asian longhorned beetle. We have received several reports recently from concerned residents who thought they had ALB on their property, but it turned out to be another "look-alike" species: the eyed click beetle (Alaus oculatus).

Unlike ALB, the eyed click beetle is harmless. It is a native species, about 1 to 1 3/4 inches long, that gets its name from its unusual appearance and behavior. On its back are two large black spots surrounded by a white outline which look like eyes and serve to frighten predators away. When it falls on its back, it snaps or "clicks" a hinged joint between its head and thorax. This action springs the beetle into the air so that it can right itself.

The eyed click beetle habitat is dominated by different species of hardwood trees than that of ALB, including cherry, apple and oak. Unlike ALB, eyed click beetles do not attack live trees. Instead, larvae pupate in rotting logs or underground after emerging from eggs laid in the soil. The diet of the eyed click beetle is also different from that of ALB, consisting of grubs during the larva stage, and nectar or plant juices during the adult stage.

If you find an eyed click beetle, you can consider yourself lucky to see this interesting insect up close and can release it "back into the wild". As always, you can report any potential Asian longhorned beetles using our web form, or by calling 1-866-702-9938.

(Thanks to Helen Rosenberger for giving us permission to use her photo)

Emerald Ash Borer found in NY

2009-06-17T21:49:00.004-04:00

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, "EAB") has found for the first time in Western New York. The invasive, wood-boring beetle was discovered earlier this week when USDA employees noticed suspicious damage to ash trees off of a highway in the town of Randolph, located in Cattaraugus County. So far, about 30 trees have been flagged as infested. Surveys over the coming weeks will help determine the extent of the infestation.

To prevent the spread of EAB to other parts of the state, New York is asking its residents to avoid bringing firewood to campgrounds or parks, and to instead purchase firewood from local vendors with proof of that firewood source. Also, New York is one of several states that now ban untreated firewood from entering their state. For more information about the dangers of moving firewood and other untreated wood long distances, visit http://dontmovefirewood.org/

More whitespotted sawyer beetle images

2009-06-08T15:52:00.004-04:00

Here is a another great whitespotted sawyer beetle image, sent in by Mary Malley:

This is a specimen we inspected earlier today, also whitespotted pine sawyer:

Note the distinct white half-moon shape at the top of the wing covers, behind the neck.

Here is an Asian longhorned beetle for comparison (this photo was taken in August 2008 - ALB is not expected to emerge from the trees until July):

Note that Asian longhorned beetle is a much shinier black than the whitespotted sawyer. It is also missing that distinct white half-circle at the top of its wing covers, and it has a bluish tinge to its feet.

Whitespotted sawyer beetles out and about

2009-05-21T16:08:00.008-04:00

Over the past week or so, biologists across Massachusetts and other New England states have reported seeing whitespotted sawyer beetles, the beetle most often confused with Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). The whitespotted sawyer (Monochamus scutellatus), a native beetle that attacks diseased and damaged pine trees, emerges from trees earlier in the season than ALB, which is not expected to be seen in Massachusetts until July.

Similar reports have been coming in via our ALB reporting form this week. Below is a photo, sent in today from Whitman, Massachusetts by Scott Pelletier, showing a whitespotted sawyer. This is a great shot of the beetle, making it easy for an expert to determine the species. Using the notes we've added that point out the tell-tale signs that this is a sawyer beetle, not ALB, you too can learn the difference between these two lookalikes:

(Click on the image to see it in full size)

If you see a longhorned beetle and are concerned that it might be ALB, it is always better to report it. For more information, check out this comparison of whitespotted sawyer and ALB.

(Below, for comparison: ALB - The real thing)

(Thanks to Scott for giving us permission to post his photo)

Winter moth caterpillars

2009-05-20T15:06:00.003-04:00

If you've noticed an onslaught of little green caterpillars devouring the leaves on your trees, you are not alone - winter moth caterpillar season has kicked into high gear. We are receiving many reports from our report-a-pest form of this pest attacking trees, particularly in the eastern and southeastern part of the state. Many of you seeing this damage now will remember the moth in its adult form, as it is one of few moths in flight during the winter months.

While there are a variety of treatments to protect trees from winter moth and other defoliating caterpillars, one of the most promising management techniques is the effort to develop a biological control for this pest. Biologists at UMass Amherst have been working on just such a program, but it will take several years for the biocontrol to establish, so expect winter moths to continue to be a problem. More information about winter moth is available on our fact sheet.

Now Hiring: ALB Outreach/Survey Technician

2009-05-15T10:03:00.000-04:00

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is hiring a Contracted Seasonal Employee for the position of ALB Outreach/Survey Technician. The ideal job candidate will have excellent communication skills, a background in biology, and a drive to educate the entire state about the Asian longhorned beetle. For details, click here. Deadline to apply is May 25, 2009.

Getting the Landscape Message

2009-05-15T08:51:00.002-04:00

Now that spring has sprung, UMass Extension is back with their biweekly edition of The Landscape Message, a discussion of what's growing, what pests are around, and what you should be doing to keep your garden or yard looking great. The Landscape Message divides Massachusetts up into 8 different regions so you can get specific growing conditions for your part of the state. This week's edition notes that winter moths are active right now, mentions the emergence of Eastern tent caterpillars, and suggests you keep an eye out for hemlock woolly adelgid and viburnum leaf beetles. To get an email reminder when this newsletter comes out, click here.

Asian longhorned beetle Newsletter

2009-05-06T14:27:00.002-04:00

Issues 6 and 7 of the ALB Newsletter are now available online. To subscribe to the newsletter, click here.

Updated Invasive Plant Pages

2009-05-05T14:47:00.005-04:00

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has recently updated the invasive plant pages on its website. Now that the "phase out" period has ended, the Prohibited Plant list has been simplified. You can also now view the list sorted by common or scientific name. If you would prefer a print version of this list, you can download it here.

The invasive plant regulations prohibit the sale, trade, purchase, distribution and related activities for all species on the list. If you have questions about the list or the regulations behind it, you can contact jennifer.forman-orth@state.ma.us or call 617-626-1735.

Worcester Students Organize ALB Road Race

2009-04-16T12:26:00.013-04:00

Students at Burncoat High School in Worcester, determined to help their neighborhood recover from the Asian longhorned beetle infestation, have organized the Burncoat “Beetle Battle” Road Race, to be held on May 2nd. Funds raised through this effort will be used to support the effort to replant in the wake of ALB-infested tree removals in the Burncoat area. In addition to the 5k run/walk, there will be family activities that aim to bring everyone out to support this neighborhood effort. To register, download and send in this form. If you are on Facebook, you can also show your support by joining the Beetle Battle FB group.

Check your trees for ALB damage!

2009-03-25T13:38:00.007-04:00

With spring having officially sprung last week, it will not be long before the trees start leafing out. That means this is your last prime opportunity to check your trees for damage caused by the Asian longhorned beetle before the leaves make it harder to see the trunks and branches. For more information, including tips on what signs to look for, check this note from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. You can also download a printable ALB damage detection sheet here.

Two oviposition sites with an exit hole in between

Fresh oviposition site.

Older oviposition site that is healing over.

ALB Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 5

2009-03-06T09:44:00.005-05:00

Issue 5 of the ALB Newsletter, with the latest Asian longhorned beetle news, links, events and volunteer opportunities in Massachusetts, is available here. To get the newsletter as soon as it comes out, sign up.

Now Hiring: Plant Pest Survey Technician

2009-02-25T14:37:00.003-05:00

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is hiring a Contracted Seasonal Employee for the position of Plant Pest Survey Technician. The position will involve work for the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Program, assisting the Plant Pest Survey Coordinator in surveying locations throughout Massachusetts for introduced insect pests and plant pathogens. For details, click here. Deadline to apply is March 11, 2009.

ALB Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 4

2009-02-18T15:32:00.002-05:00

Issue 4 of the ALB Newsletter, with the latest Asian longhorned beetle news, links, events and volunteer opportunities in Massachusetts, is available here. To get the newsletter as soon as it comes out, sign up here.

ALB: Before and After

2009-02-13T10:25:00.005-05:00

Tree removals in the parts of Worcester most heavily impacted by the Asian longhorned beetle infestation have been underway since January. For an idea of how seriously the beetle has impacted Worcester, here are a pair of shots from Granville Ave., showing the same view both before and after the trees were taken down. Click on each image to see it in original size:

(Photos by Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ)

Phase-out period for prohibited plants has ended

2009-02-10T15:36:00.009-05:00

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources regulates a list of Prohibited Plants, more than 100 non-native species that are considered invasive or noxious weeds. These plants are prohibited from sale, trade, distribution, and related activities in our state. As of January 1, 2009, the following ornamental species, which had been under a phase-out period, now fall under the same regulations as the other species on the list:

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)
Bell’s honeysuckle (Lonicera x bella) [L. morrowii x L. tatarica]
Bishop's weed; goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria)
Burning bush; winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus/alata)
Creeping Jenny; moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia)
Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
Morrow’s honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii)
Norway maple (Acer platanoides)
Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)
Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica)

You can see the entire prohibited plant list sorted by common or scientific name, or download a print version here.