Frequently Asked Questions

Asian Longhorned Beetle

  • Is there any way to save the tree without cutting it down?
    Unfortunately, the only method proven to be 100% effective in eradication is to cut the trees down and chip them to regulated specifications. Due to the nature and life cycle of ALB, chemical and insecticide treatments have unfortunately not proven to be effective methods of eradication. Because the larvae feed progressively deeper inside the tree’s woody layers, chemicals will not penetrate the wood all the way to the feeding chamber to target all life stages of the insect and therefore save the tree. Further, systemic insecticides also target other native insects and animals indiscriminately and cause undesired secondary effects.
  • How did the beetle get here? (Either In Charleston or the USA)
    The infestations in the United States, starting in the 1990s, are thought to have been brought in through solid wood packing material, shipping materials, and dunnage made from woody material in eastern Asia. Once the insects arrived overseas, the native North American populations of host trees have no natural resistance to the insect, and therefore succumb to infestations. ALB can easily spread by human-facilitated movement such as firewood, storm debris (e.g., broken tree limbs), and common tree work/landscaping activities. Unknowingly transporting infested wood poses the greatest risk for spread in our area.
  • What is being done here in Charleston?
    There is a large-scale eradication effort being carried out by Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry (DPI) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) have cooperatively formed the South Carolina Asian Longorned Beetle Eradication Program, headquartered in Hollywood, SC. Program operations are currently ongoing in the Hollywood/Ravenel/John’s Island, SC area. Facets of the program include survey and detection of properties for presence of infested trees, eventual removal of those infested trees, and eventual re-survey to verify successful eradication. Further, there are State and Federal Quarantines established around the infestation, and Program staff monitor the regulated area and work closely with local tree work and landscape organizations to prevent movement of regulated woody material that threatens to spread the infestation.
  • Which trees will the Asian longhorned beetle attack?
    The list of known host genera includes: Acer (maple), Aesculus (horse chestnut), Albizia (mimosa), Betula (birch), Cercidiphyllum (katsura), Fraxinus (ash), Koelreuteria (golden rain tree), Platanus (sycamore), Populus (poplar), Salix (willow), Sorbus (mountain ash), and Ulmus (elm). It is important to note that Asian longhorned beetle does not infest pine trees or oak trees.
  • What should I do if I find ALB damage on my trees or the beetle itself?
    If you suspect you found either an adult beetle or an infested tree, please report it online using the reporting tool or by emailing stopalb@clemson.edu. Make sure to include clear photos of the beetle and/or tree damage using something for scale, such as a coin or ruler. If you can, capture the beetle in a jar or plastic bag and place it in the freezer to preserve the insect for identification.
  • How long has Asian longhorned beetle been in South Carolina?
    It is difficult to know for certain exactly how long this beetle has been infesting the trees of South Carolina, however we know it has been present in the area since at least 2012 due to dendrocronology work performed by researchers, where they use tree rings to accurately date signs of infestation in trees that have been cut down.
  • Is Asian longhorned beetle the only one of its kind in South Carolina?
    Though Asian longhorned beetle is the only invasive longhorned (Cerambycid) beetle known to be in the state, there are many other native longhorned beetles as well as some other naturally occurring look-a-likes. The key to identifying ALB from other insects is its long body size at 1-1.5”, the black color with distinct white patches/spots, banded black and white antennae, and the striped legs with a bluish tint.

Apiary

Invasive Species

  • Why are invasive pests a problem?
    When introduced to a new environment, some organisms can explode in numbers due to a lack of natural systems keeping their population in check. New environments may also provide new hosts species that lack resistance to the introduced pest. Invasive pest infestations are often very difficult and costly to control. They alter natural ecosystems, affect trade between countries, and hinder agricultural productivity.
  • Why do we conduct invasive pest surveys?
    On-line exams are available. More information is available here.
  • How do we decide which invasive pests to survey the state for?
    Clemson DPI host an annual Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Committee meeting where multiple agencies and industry representatives discuss current or emerging plant pest issues. The group advises DPI which pests to target with surveys. Additionally, USDA APHIS PPQ maintains a Pests of National Concern list. Pests on this list have been determined to pose serious threat to the environment, crops, and or trade. Surveys funded by APHIS grant dollars, require the inclusion of listed Pests of National Concern.
  • How do we decide to make additions to the state plant pest list?
    Input and suggestions from South Carolinians are taken under consideration. Specifically, a legislatively appointed Invasive Species Advisory Committee containing members from Acidemia, State agencies, and Industry consider new additions and submit any recommendations to Clemson University’s Director of Regulatory Services.
  • What happens if a regulated pests is detected?
    Response to pest detections vary. Depending on the pest and other relevant factors, tools such as monitoring, quarantines, treatments, or host plant destruction are available. Almost always, additional surveys to delimit the extent of a pest infestation is in order.

Nursery Grower and Dealer Program