Asian Longhorned Beetle Alert

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) (Anoplophora glabripennis) is an invasive beetle that was believed to have arrived in New York from its native China via untreated packing crates and wooden pallets. After more than 20 years of efforts to eradicate the beetle, New York City was declared ALB-free by the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, in October 2019.

While active, the beetle was one of the greatest threats facing New York City's urban forest. The beetles are known to attack maple, horsechestnut, elm, willow, birch, poplar, and ash trees.Tunneling by ALB larvae damages the vascular system of the tree. Repeated attacks lead to dieback of the tree crown, and, eventually, death of the tree.

Thanks to a combined effort by the City, State, and federal governments, and the work of partners and citizens to monitor trees near their homes, the ALB was quarantined to sections of New York City. NYC Parks played a key role in scheduling wood debris pick-ups from homeowners in infested boroughs, and worked with partners to monitor trees on public property. In 2013, Manhattan and Staten Island were declared beetle-free. Finally, in 2019, it was announced that this invasive species had been fully eradicated.