Insecticides are ineffective because the beetle bores deep into the tree. The beetles are believed to travel in wooden pallets or crates used to transport goods on ships. Even though there are rules in place stipulating that crating material must not have insects in it or have insect damage, the rapidly rising number of importers and goods coming into the country make these rules difficult to enforce. Once established, the beetle is difficult to eliminate. In New York alone, several million dollars have been spent trying to eradicate the beetles, and many valuable ornamental and shade trees have been lost.
Infested trees are also prone to secondary attack from other insects and diseases.
Larger white dots are mostly arranged in parallel lines, perpendicular to the body axis, on the side of the elytra. Larva feeding under the bark Entrance to larval tunnel. Note blackening of the wood. It has the ability to overwinter as an egg, larva or pupa. The Asian long-horned beetle attacks and kills healthy trees.