On September 4, 2003, the first Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALHB) was discovered attacking trees in Canada. Infestations were found in primarily industrial areas in the Ontario cities of Vaughn and Toronto.

All infested and neighbouring trees must be destroyed to eliminate the risk of ALHB spreading to uninfested areas.

Although the insect presents no threat to public health or our homes, the beetle does pose a significant threat to Canada's trees and forests, which are important aesthetically, environmentally and as a major source of hardwood building materials. Probably introduced into Canada through wood packaging used in shipping, the ALHB has no natural enemies in North America.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Canada's federal food safety, animal health and plant protection enforcement agency, has implemented an aggressive campaign to control and eradicate this unwanted pest.

Known as "starry sky beetle" in China, the Asian Longhorned beetle (ALHB), Anoplophora glabripennis, is an invasive quarantine insect native to Asia that is known to attack and kill healthy trees. The beetle does not attack evergreen or coniferous trees, but the majority of Canadian broadleaf trees are at risk, including all species of maple along with horse chestnut, birch, willow, elm, ash, poplars and alder.

Asian Longhorned Beetle larvae feed within the trunk and limbs of trees and eventually riddle the trees with holes, causing them to die. This beetle has a one- to two-year life cycle with four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult beetle. In Canada, it can overwinter as an egg, larva or pupa. Adults generally emerge in July and August and may live as late as the first frost.

Infestations have also been found in Austria and the United States (New York 1996, Chicago 1998 and Seattle 2000) and have resulted in the removal and destruction of over 5000 trees. Millions of dollars have been spent on the required surveys and control programs.

Your Help Is Vital

You can help by paying attention to the deciduous trees on your property and in your community.

Published: October 7, 2003

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Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" - intent on "Challenging The Best to Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life. Author of 8 books and more than 1800 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy...Your Choice!", which is filled with suggestions and cautions on protecting, building and managing home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?: Cut The Crap, Hit The Mark & Stick!" will be published in 2012. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors - and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking - a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on keynotes, blogs, books and information on a range of 21st-Century topics, visit TheCatalyst.com.