One invasive beetle, known for its wood-boring nature, was detected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists on March 17 at a railyard in Port Huron, Michigan. The Asian Long Horn beetle (ALB), originating from Romania, was discovered, along with larvae, during a cargo inspection. Frass discovered near the beetle indicated active insect presence.
This marks the first encounter with the ALB in the Port Huron area since November 2021, signifying over three years without detection of this invasive insect. The ALB poses risks to various hardwood trees, including maples, due to its potential impact on forest and urban ecosystems. Its presence is a concern in North America due to possible economic damage through the destruction of shade, park, and forest trees.
Jeffrey Wilson, Area Port Director, stated, "Our nation's agriculture industry is constantly at risk from pests and disease not known to occur in the U.S. This interception by our highly skilled agriculture specialists showcase our continued commitment to safeguarding American agriculture and protecting public health."
Marty Raybon, Director of Field Operations, emphasized, “This discovery underscores the vital role our agriculture specialists play in protecting the nation’s natural resources and economy. The Asian Long Horned Beetle is a destructive invasive species that threatens our forests and urban landscapes. Every successful interception, like this one, prevents potential devastation to our hardwood trees and reinforces our commitment to keeping invasive pests from harming our environment and economy.”
The beetles were discovered among wood pallets that were heat-treated as per international standards. However, there is suspicion regarding the adequacy of the heat treatment process, essential for ensuring untreated wood packaging material does not introduce non-native pests and pathogens.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is a leading law enforcement agency and border management organization, comprising over 65,000 employees dedicated to protecting America through innovation, intelligence, and collaboration.
