A dangerous species of beetle found in New York: pool owners are asked to beware

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEC) is urging pool owners in the region, especially in the Hudson Valley area, to beware of the dangerous beetle that may be lurking in the pool skimmer. WPDH.

Every pool owner knows that a pond can attract strange insects - from shiny beetles to large, creepy moths. The pool is a magnet for animals you never knew existed before.

Therefore, the New York State Department of Environmental Protection encourages all pool owners to pay special attention to bugs, which can cause serious damage to trees and forests in New York. The Asian Longhorn Beetle is destroying maples, birches, willows, and other trees throughout New York City. This beetle, which was accidentally brought to the country from Asia, has caused the death of hundreds of thousands of trees.

In late summer, these beetles leave their tree houses and become active in backyards, especially those with pools. DEC chief Basil Seggos says pool owners are key in tracking down and eradicating this invasive pest.

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The best way to eradicate and limit the spread of invasive species is by detecting and killing insects early, when the population is still low.

Swimming pool inspection is a simple and economical approach to detecting these pests. In this way, New Yorkers can play an active role in protecting their communities.

If you own a pool, DEC would like you to pay close attention to the Asian longhorn beetle. This insect is approximately 3,5-4 cm long, it is black with white spots and black and white antennae.

If you find one of these dangerous bugs in your pool, DEC asks that you email a photo of it to: [email protected]. You can also catch the insect and mail it to the DEC Forest Health Diagnostic Laboratory, 108 Game Farm Road, Delmar, NY 12054.