Asian Longhorned Beetle Found on Bryant Avenue

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced the expansion of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) regulated area in Worcester County after the discovery of eight infested trees on Bryant Avenue in Shrewsbury.

"With the expansion of the Asian Longhorned Beetle regulated area, it is important that residents in the town of Shrewsbury, as well as the surrounding communities, continue to be apprised of local, state, and federal resources as we work with the communities to combat the infestation," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray in a press release. "Our administration encourages residents to abide by protocol and also learn of available services and resources."

Because of this discovery, DCR and APHIS will expand the current Central Massachusetts regulated area by 12 square miles. The federal and state quarantine zone for the area will now be 110 square miles, and cover the entire town of Shrewsbury. To help prevent the spread of ALB, no wood materials will be transported outside the regulated area.

"The expansion of the regulated area is an additional safeguard forcities and towns in our effort to combat the spread of this invasive insect," said DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert. "We will continue to work hard to contain and eliminate ALB within the Worcester County regulated area and appreciate the partnership with local and federal partners in these efforts."

A report of the findings will be provided to the Shrewsbury on Tuesday, Oct. 25.

State and federal officials will then hold a public meeting to provide information and answer questions on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Shrewsbury Town Hall, 100 Maple St., Shrewsbury.

The beetle, native to Asia, is a destructive pest of hardwood trees, including maple, horse chestnut, birch, poplar, willow, and elm.

The golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) has recently been added to the Federal Order of host genera for the Asian longhorned beetle. This order officially lists the golden rain tree as a regulated species in Massachusetts.

ALB was first discovered in Massachusetts in 2008. The Worcester County regulated area includes all of Worcester, West Boylston, Boylston and Shrewsbury, as well as portions of Holden, and Auburn. For more information, view the current Worcester County quarantine map.

The public can assist the eradication effort by allowing program officials access to their property to evaluate susceptible trees for signs of ALB infestation, and by reporting sightings of the beetle or any signs of infestation.

Find out more information and to report signs or symptoms of ALB.

For answers about program activities please call the Massachusetts ALB Cooperative Eradication Program at 508-799-8330 or toll-free at 866-702-9938.