LONGVIEW – Before crushing this strange-looking beetle, local scientists are asking people to double-check if it’s one of a handful of invasive species that may be around.
Washington State University Master Gardener Alice Slusher said that “Citizen scientists like you and me are the ones who have already reported on some of the issues,” they are becoming widespread, so attending National Tree Check Month is important.
“The Invasive Species Council website is fantastic, so go in and check out all of the priority insects,” said Slusher. “Some are here and we know they are here, some aren’t, but it’s a fun hobby.”
State officials are urging people to check trees, lights, outdoor equipment and standing water in their gardens for harmful insects.
Slusher said sources of water like dog bowls, water pans for chickens, or lights are places that bugs are attracted to and sometimes die in, making them good places to watch what insects are around.
Check trees for signs of burrowing insects, such as forest tracks or unusual damage.
“The Washington Invasive Species Council is currently primarily concerned about those we don’t know are here,” said Slusher. “It’s important to find these things for the Invasive Species Council.”
The top species affecting the council could be in Cowlitz County but no sightings have been reported yet are the emerald ash borer, the spotted lantern fly, and the Asian and citrus longhorn beetle, she said.
Emerald ash drills are found in ash trees and “make V-shaped holes like a big smile” when they exit the tree, Slusher said.
“I lived in Ohio until 10 years ago, and 15 or 16 years ago they were talking about the emerald ash pick,” she said. “It’s a beautiful little beetle, half an inch long, emerald green and iridescent … It only attacks ash trees and when I went (Ohio) I saw some damage. The ash trees are all gone now, every single ash tree, and they really don’t want that here. “
The spotted lantern fly would also “devastate our parks and possibly the forest industries,” said Slusher along with the citrus longhorn beetle, as it damages or kills both trees.
Washington State Department of Agriculture’s public engagement specialist Karla Salp said regular inspections of her farms “play a critical role in protecting Washington’s unique environment from the destruction that invasive pests can cause.”
“Vigilant residents can help identify infestations if they are easy to manage,” said Salp. “This not only saves time and money, but above all limits the damage that invasive pests cause in our gardens and courtyards, local and national parks, as well as farms and forests.”
There are 13 priority invasive insects in Washington, according to the Washington Invasive Species Council website. These include the emerald ash borer, the gypsy moth, the onion miner, the Japanese beetle and the apple maggot.
Some, like the brown marbled stink bug, are already established in Cowlitz County. Others, such as the scarlet lily beetle and the Asiatic giant hornet, have been found in Washington but not yet registered in Cowlitz County.
Anyone who finds a suspected invasive insect should take a picture and report it through the Washington Invasive Species Council app or website. The council will then connect residents with organizations that can help.
If the suspected invasive insect is alive, take a picture and submit a report with details. If it’s dead, place it on a white background like a paper towel or sheet of white paper, place a coin next to the insect for a size reference, and take a picture. Place the insect in a ziplock bag in case entomologists send it to a laboratory for identification.
