Asian Beetle Invasion Spreads

The infestation of Asian long-horned beetles is spreading in North America. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Karen Kelly reports:

Transcript

The infestation of Asian long-horned beetles is spreading in North America. The Great Lakes
Radio Consortium’s Karen Kelly reports:


An Asian long-horned beetle, about two inches long and black with white spots was found in an
industrial park outside of Toronto.


It arrived in packing material from Asia. And it burrowed into nearby trees – making this the first
infestation in Canada.


Forestry specialist Gordon Henry says the beetle poses a serious threat to Canada’s native
hardwoods.


“If it was to get into wild areas and attack maple trees, it would impact probably on tourism, it
would certainly pose a problem for anybody producing maple syrup, would also be a nuisance
pest for any homeowner who’s trying to grow one of the host trees.”


The beetle has also infested trees in Chicago, New York City and New Jersey.


Henry says it takes years to fully eradicate them.


For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, I’m Karen Kelly.

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