Whether it be for environmental, economic or recreational reasons, trees are important to all of us. They play a vital role in our lives and our livelihood and are key to the continued success of Eggers.  Eggers reached an important milestone in 2012.  We celebrated our 10^th year of certification with the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®), a promoter of proper forest management. Forest stewardship, as practiced by FSC certified companies, helps to protect our resources for generations to come.

One of the things each of us can do to promote forest stewardship is to help in the prevention of the spread of invasive species. Over the past few years, the emerald ash borer has become familiar to all of us through the media and state agencies such as the WDNR.

The emerald ash borer has already killed over 25 million ash trees and the number continues to rise. Although the ash borer’s destruction has been devastating to the ash tree population there is a new threat lurking in our backyards and forests that may have the potential to create even more destruction

The Asian Longhorned Beetle(ALB) has invaded trees in our northeastern states  and recently has been found as far west as Ohio. Unlike the Emerald Ash Borer, which as it’s name implies invades ash trees, the ALB does not discriminate. It will invade ash, maple, birch, elm, poplar and other trees as well. Over 100,000 harvested trees have been identified as being infested with this beetle and the number of infested standing trees has been estimated to be over one million.

The economical and environmental impacts if this beetle goes unchecked could be catastrophic. Not only would it impact woodworkers like us, it would affect simple pleasures such as enjoying maple syrup and the beauty of changed leaves in the fall. Not to mention the lives of the animals that inhabit forests heavily populated with maple and birch trees.

This is where you can play an important part in controlling its deadly spread. These damaging pests can hitchhike from place to place on our cars and trucks, hidden in timber, firewood or on familiar outdoor items.

Here are a few ways to prevent the introduction of the Asian Longhorned beetle to your yard or local woodlot.

1.            Buy Local, Burn Local
Invasive pests and their larvae hide and ride long distances on firewood. Don’t give them a free ride to start a new infestation. Buy or cut firewood where you burn it.

2.            Cooperate With Quarantines
Cooperate with any agricultural or DNR restrictions on the transport of plants, unprocessed timber or firewood. Allow authorized agencies access to your property for pest surveys.

3.            Keep it Clean
Wash outdoor gear between hunting or camping trips. Clean lawn furniture and other outdoor items when moving from home to cabin and vice versa.

4.            Learn to Identify
If you see an invasive pest or signs of its presence write it down or take a picture of what you see and report it to the DNR or USDA.

Signs that you may have an Asian Longhorned Beetle in your area….

The adult female chews 30-90 oval depressions into the bark of the host tree. She lays a single egg beneath the bark at each site.

As the beetle tunnels, it often pushes sawdust-like material, called frass, out onto the ground or tree branches.

Eggs hatch into white worm-like larvae that tunnel deeper into the tree, where they feed and continue to develop over the winter months.

In the summer, the adult beetles chew their way out, leaving dime-sized, 1/4 inch or greater, perfectly round exit holes.

Please help in putting an end to the spread of this invasive species and be a hero for our trees.