The following article is courtesy of the NH Cooperative Extension.

Dear Friends of Trees and Enemies of Asian Longhorned Beetles,

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is a serious threat to our forests and trees. As far as we know it isn’t in New Hampshire, yet. We need many people looking for it so we can take steps to limit its spread, if it arrives. ALB was found in trees in Worcester MA in 2008, but experts estimate it was in the trees for about 10 years before they identified the problem. Some Worcester homeowners subsequently reported they collected ALB in their swimming pools for years prior to the 2008 identification.

Because there isn’t a reliable trap for ALB and using the Worcester-experience, we are looking for ALB in swimming pools. Last summer, we tested this approach with 34 public pools. Thankfully, we didn’t find ALB, but we found many longhorned-type beetles, so we know this survey method works. If ALB is New Hampshire, we think we will find them in swimming pools.

Help us by looking at the debris from your swimming pools. In addition to a swimming pool, you need:

• A digital camera

• An email address that you actively use

• Enough computer skills to follow instructions to upload pictures to this website: http://extension.unh.edu/FWT/ALBpool.htm

Here is an overview of the project:

Step 1: Sign up to participate NOW by sending us your name, physical street address and town, and email address to: foresthealth@dred.state.nh.us .

Step 2: From July 11-August 26. At least once a week¬or whenever you clean your pool¬look at the debris you collect in your filter and skimmers. Look for longhorned beetles.

Step 3: Use a fact sheet (posted at http://extension.unh.edu/FWT/ALBpool.htm) to compare collected insects to common insects.

Step 4: Take a picture of any insect you think is a longhorned beetle. We need a good view of the insect’s back.

Step 5: Once a week send a picture of the insect that most looks like a longhorned beetle. We need to hear from you every week.

Step 6: Send the picture through this website http://extension.unh.edu/FWT/ALBpool.htm

Step 7: If you send us a picture, freeze the insect in a tupperware-like container until you hear from us (about a week). We will either tell you to throw the insect out or give you instructions about mailing it, delivering it or arranging for pick-up.

Then What?

We will post interesting pictures and sightings to the web and send you a weekly email reminder and report.

Questions about the project?

foresthealth@dred.state.nh.us or call Kyle Lombard at the Forest Health Office 464-3016

Questions about the project and the website?

karen.bennett@unh.edu or call Karen Bennett at UNH Cooperative Extension at 862-4861

Thank you for your interest and your help.

Kyle Lombard Karen Bennett

Forest Health Program UNH Cooperative Extension

Karen P. Bennett, Extension Forestry Professor & Specialist

UNH Cooperative Extension

212 Nesmith Hall, 131 Main St.

Durham, NH 03824

(603)862-4861, (603)312-6695 cell, (603)862-0107 fax

karen.bennett@unh.edu

www.nhwoods.org