Chicago is preparing to fell a large number of trees to get rid of the Asian longhorn beetle
The Asian longhorn beetle has been spotted in the northern areas of Chicago in the US. The state and the federal governments are planning to fell a substantial number of hardwood trees in order to contain the spread of the tree-devouring Chinese beetle. The beetle was found only once before in the US. In 1996, an infestation in New York state was controlled by cutting hundreds of trees from neighbourhoods in Brooklyn and Amityville. Scientists say that the beetle cannot be controlled by pesticides.
Although scientists are not sure if the present attack will grow into an unmanageable problem, they are taking it very seriously. After an amateur bug collector found the Chinese beetle in a Chicago forest and turned it over to the authorities, scientists have been combing the forests. They believe that the beetle arrived within the last three years as larval stowaways in wooden crates carrying Chinese imports.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.