Initial Search for Asian Longhorned Beetle
Completed in Deerfield

Updated September 22, 2008

A full survey of trees located in commercial, industrial and residential areas that are within half a mile of the detection site began on Monday, August 11 and was completed with no additional signs of infestation. Because no trace of the ALB is discovered, the search area was expanded to a full mile from the point of origin. This search was recently completed and included areas of Northbrook and Highland Park, as well as Northfield Township and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Village staff, along with the Village’s forestry consultant, assisted the USDA and IDA to ensure that whatever local measures are deemed appropriate may be carried out. The rapid response team searched thousands of trees on both public and private property.

The ALB was recently declared eradicated in the Chicago area after a significant tree removal program was believed to have been successful in quarantining the insect before the specimen was discovered in Deerfield. It is a large insect, with bodies ranging from 1 to 1 ˝ inches in length and antennae which can be as long as four inches. They are shiny and black with white spots and antennae are banded in black and white. Anyone in the Deerfield community who sees one of these distinctive insects is asked to contact the ALB Hotline at 847/699.2424 or 866/603.0590 immediately so that it can be identified by professionals.

Residents are asked to keep an eye out for infestation, which includes dime-sized holes in trees, including maples, oaks and other hardwood trees as well as birch and willow. Fore more information, please contact Jennifer Medina at the IDA at 847/699.2402, or call the 24-information line at 866/603.0590, for questions related to this issue or to report a sighting. Direct contacts at the Village of Deerfield include Philip Kiraly, Assistant Village Manager, at 847/945.5000 or via email at pkiraly@deerfield-il.org or Brad Fink, Assistant Director of Public Works, at 847/317.7245 or via email at bfink@deerfield-il.org.

Additional images and information can be found at:

Press Release, September 22, 2008

Asian Longhorned Beetle Informational Slides

US Forest Service Information

Asian Longhorned Beetle Images

ALB Factsheet

ALB Pest Alert-What to Look For

ALB Lifecycle

The Village of Deerfield, 850 Waukegan Road, Deerfield IL 60015 Village Hall hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M-F Telephone: 847-945-5000