CBP agents intercept invasive beetle, protecting U.S. forests
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted live Asian longhorned beetle larvae during an inspection of cargo from Romania in March 2025.
- This insect poses a threat to hardwood trees and urban ecosystems across North America, having been absent from Port Huron since November 2021.
- The interception highlights the importance of effective pest management and reinforces the commitment to protecting American agriculture and public health.
In March 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at a Port Huron railyard in Michigan discovered a live Asian longhorned beetle while inspecting cargo from Romania. This incursion marks the first sighting of this pest in the Port Huron area since November 2021. The Asian longhorned beetle is known to be highly invasive, posing a significant threat to hardwood trees and urban ecosystems. The pest’s larvae were found within wood pallets supposedly treated to eliminate such risks, underlining the importance of proper pest management and shipping guidelines. During the inspection on March 17, CBP agriculture specialists initially identified solid insect waste before locating the live beetle larvae. The Asian longhorned beetle represents a grave concern for U.S. agriculture, as it could potentially disrupt both forest ecosystems and urban landscapes. Area Port Director Jeffrey Wilson emphasized the importance of such interceptions, indicating that they help safeguard the agriculture industry from anonymous pests and diseases not endemic to the country. Marty Raybon, CBP Director of Field Operations, also remarked on the significance of the interception. He highlighted that every successful interception of invasive species is crucial in preventing devastation to hardwood trees. The larvae discovered during inspection were in wood packaging marked under the guidelines of heat treatment, an essential step specified by the International Plant Protection Convention’s Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures. Agents noted that even though the pallets appeared to be properly marked, there were indications that the heat treatment may not have been executed correctly. The risk posed by untreated wood packaging material, which can introduce non-native species into new environments, remains a persistent issue. The interception of the Asian longhorned beetle reinforces the commitment of U.S. border protection agencies to maintaining public health and protecting the nation's natural resources and economy. By preventing the introduction of such invasive pests, these agents play a vital role in environmental protection and the economic stability of the regions impacted by these species.