Washington Asks Residents To Check Trees For Invasive Pests

WASHINGTON — August is National Tree Check Month. To recognize it, state environmentalists are asking everyone to take a little time over the next few weeks and check the trees near their home for some common invasive pests.

“August is the ideal time to look for invasive insects and report any species that seem out of place,” Justin Bush, executive coordinator of the Washington Invasive Species Council, said in a written statement. “Trees, lights and standing water (such as pools, dog bowls, buckets, birdbaths, etc.) near homes are great places to look for insects. Trees provide natural habitat, and lights and standing water can act as traps.”

In particular, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources says residents should keep an eye out for the emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly and citrus longhorned beetle.

Another one to keep an eye out for — especially for residents up north — is the Asian giant hornet, sometimes called the "murder hornet." An Asian giant hornet nest was found and eradicated near Blaine in October; and while entomologists are hopeful no other nests remain, another Asian giant hornet was spotted in Snohomish County in June.

The Asian giant hornet is listed as a "priority species" by the Washington Invasive Species Council, alongside the ash borer, apple maggot and gypsy moth.

Helping the state catch and remove these bugs is easy. Organizers ask that if someone spots a bug, they submit a report to the Washington Invasive Species Council either through its mobile app or website. Try to take a photo of the bug if possible — though in the extremely unlikely case you spot an Asian giant hornet, getting to safety is probably a higher priority.

If you find a dead invasive pest, however, they ask that you take a picture of the carcass, preferably on a white background with a coin for a size reference.

That may seem like a lot of hullabaloo over just some bugs, but environmental experts say these bugs could wreak havoc on Evergreen State forests if left unchecked.

“Invasive insects can cause severe damage to trees, whether in your backyard or on state lands across Washington,” said Glenn Kohler, a forest entomologist for the Washington Department of Natural Resources. “Early detection is crucial to preserving our natural resources. The bottom line is that it only takes a few minutes to check your trees, lights and standing water. It’s an easy thing that everyone can do to be a part of the effort against the ongoing forest health crisis in Washington.”

>> Learn more about invasive pests threatening Washington and how you can help out from the Washington Invasive Species Council.