In December 2000, investigators found near O'Hare Airport a grove of box elders that they believe is one of the earliest sites where the insect attacked. Inspectors continue to search for signs of other infestations. Altogether, over 1,400 larva-containing trees were removed and destroyed, according to the City of Chicago. The Asian longhorned beetle, native to Japan, China and North Korea, traveled to this country burrowed in raw wood used in shipping and packing materials. Once in the United States and cities like Chicago, the beetles normally stay close to their host trees, although the adults can fly up to 3,000 feet.
Humans provide the easiest modes of transportation for the beetles.
The beetle can hitch a ride on vehicles moving through infested areas or be spread in infected firewood or tree litter. Their bodies are black with white spots, and their antennae are black and white. The best time to spot the adult beetles is from May to October. During the warm months of summer, the adults lay their eggs under the bark. This process leaves an oval to round darkened wound on the trunk of the tree.