Buy Local, Burn Local

The Asian longhorned beetle, along with other wood-boring insects such as the emerald ash borer and the Sirex woodwasp, live the first part of their lives as white, worm-like larvae burrowed into the branches and trunks of trees. Because these larvae typically remain hidden until adulthood, when you transport firewood or cut branches you could be unknowingly transporting these invasive species with you.

This is one of the main reasons behind the order issued by the state to regulate the movement of wood products and live plants from the Asian longhorned beetle Regulated Area (Worcester and parts of Boylston, Holden, Shrewsbury and West Boylston). Since the infestation was first announced, Massachusetts has been working together with local and federal agencies to keep everyone informed. This includes compliance training for any business impacted by these regulations (from tree removal services to landscapers to firewood dealers), so that they can continue to do business while the eradication program gets underway.

The public remains our biggest and best weapon in the battle against the Asian longhorned beetle. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with this wood-boring invader using our fact sheet and photo gallery. And if you see something suspicious, in your firewood or elsewhere, you can use our online reporting system to describe the damage and upload photos. You can also call the Massachusetts ALB Eradication Program hotline at 1-866-702-9938.