Tree-Killing Longhorned Beetle Scare In Westborough

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Recent reports of Asian longhorned beetle sightings in Westborough have turned out to be false alarms — but the town is reminding residents to keep an eye out for the invasive, tree-killing pests.

This week, the Westborough Conservation Department reported it received two longhorn beetle reports that actually turned out to be Whitespotted Sawyer beetles — a native species that doesn't pose as big a threat.

The conservation department advised anyone who thinks they've found a longhorned beetle to take a clear picture and capture the bug, if possible.

In Massachusetts, some of the biggest infestations have been in the Worcester area, mainly on the north side of the city and in Boylston, West Boylston and Holden. The state has established a 110-mile tree quarantine zone around those towns, plus Shrewsbury and Auburn, to keep the beetle from spreading. Anyone living inside the zone has to get a permit to transport most types of wood outside the area.

If the longhorned beetle spreads, it could devastate about a dozen local hardwood tree species, including ash, birch, maple and willow, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

If you think you've seen an Asian longhorned beetle in Westborough or anywhere else, report the sighting to the conservation department by emailing conservation@town.westborough.ma.us. You can also report sightings to the U.S. Department of Agriculture online.