South Carolinians urged to report tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle sightings

An Asian longhorned beetle. (Crosby Marketing)

(WCIV) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is asking South Carolinians to look for and report the Asian longhorned beetle in efforts to save trees.

The tree-killing beetle attacks 12 types of hardwood trees, the department said.

The inspection service declares every August to be Tree Check Month, a release from the agency states.

“August is an ideal time of year to look for the beetle and the damage it causes,” Josie Ryan, APHIS’ National Operations Manager for the ALB Eradication Program, said. “Adult beetles are emerging now. You can see them on trees and other nearby items. Finding and reporting infested trees early means we can save more trees.”

The agency said infected trees become safety hazards as branches and trees can fall over, especially during storms.

The adult beetle is described as having a shiny, black body with white spots, six legs and feet, black and white antennae that are longer than its body, feet that can appear bluish, and a body length of about an inch to an inch-and-a-half.

The agency is asking South Carolinians to check their trees for these beetles.

You can report sightings by calling the Asian longhorned beetle hotline at 1-866-702-9938 or online.