State asks residents to report sightings

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is asking pool owners in August to participate in its annual watch for invasive Asian longhorned beetles, which kills trees.

An Asian longhorned beetle (DEC)

The beetles, which were introduced from Asia in packing materials, are about 1.5 inches long, black with white spots, and have black and white antennae. They leave round exit holes about the size of a dime in branches and tree trunks and sawdust on branches and around tree bases.

If a beetle is spotted or found in a pool filter, the DEC asks that photos be emailed to [email protected] or mail the insect to the Forest Health Diagnostic Lab, Attn.: Jessica Cancelliere, 108 Game Farm Road, Delmar, NY 12054.

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