What to look for

Checking your trees is important because early detection of the Asian longhorned beetle can save hundreds to thousands of trees. This beetle affects many common deciduous trees, such as maples, birch, willow and others. So what should you look for? Dime-sized, perfectly round, beetle exit holes in the trunk or branches. Shallow chew marks in the bark, where the beetle lays its egg. Sawdust-like material at the base of the tree, or where branches meet the trunk. Dead branches on otherwise leafy trees. Large (1 inch to 1 1/2 inches long), shiny black beetles with white spots and white striped antennae.

Check for look-alikes

A similar beetle native to Michigan is often mistaken for the Asian longhorned beetle. The white spotted pine sawyer has a distinctive white spot below the base of its head – between the tops of its wing covers. This and its brown or dull black color distinguish the sawyer from the Asian longhorned beetle.

What to do

• Make note of what was found and where. Take a photo, if possible.
• Try to capture the insect, place it in a container and freeze it. This will preserve it for easier identification.
• Report findings as soon as possible to the U.S. Department of Agriculture by calling 866-702-9938 or completing an online form at AsianLonghornedBeetle.com.
• Reports also can be made to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at 800-292-3939 or MDA-Info@Michigan.gov.