Asian Longhorn Beetle Found in Firewood in Northeast

The infestation of the Asian Longhorn Beetle in the Worcester, Mass. area is prompting Connecticut state officials to consider imposing a new regulation on the flow of firewood into the state. 

Currently, New York state has a similar rule, requiring firewood suppliers from Connecticut and other states to deliver only certifiably free-of-pest firewood to New York addresses.  This means, for example, if a Connecticut green industry company wanted to sell/deliver firewood into New York, it would first have to be inspected by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. The station is considering imposing a rule that would require all firewood coming into Connecticut first be inspected and certified clean from pests by the originating state's regulatory agency. 

Federal and state officials believe the Asian Longhorn Beetle is spread by two primary means:  delivery of infested firewood and pallets/packing material from China. Several other states have spent many millions of dollars to control and eradicate infestations of this beetle. Other New England states are expected to impose the same type of rules in the near future. 

Prior to such a regulation being formally proposed, the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association would like to hear if anyone in Connecticut's green at connnrsry@aol.com before Aug. 25.