Why do you have to remove my trees in order to get rid of the Asian longhorned beetle?
The ALB Cooperative Eradication Program relies on the cooperation of all residents in its efforts to eliminate this destructive pest from New Jersey and the United States. This effort includes removing all known infested trees along with high risk exposed host trees, in order to stop the ALB from spreading to non-infested areas. Research has shown in order to stop the spread of the Asian longhorned beetle, all infested trees, along with high risk exposed host trees within a mile radius of known infested sites by ALB, need to be removed. High risk exposed host trees, are trees that are likely to be found later infested with ALB if left standing. This action is not being taken lightly. Leaving infested trees standing would surely lead to the infestation of more trees. In addition, because the beetle tunnels through the heartwood of the tree as it grows into an adult, infested trees become unstable over time and could pose a safety hazard, especially during storms or periods of high wind.
