In partnership with DEEP, UCONN, the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Glastonbury is looking to educate our community on three invasive insects that pose a threat to the health of our forests and neighborhood trees, the Gypsy Moth, the Emerald Ash Borer, and the Asian Longhorned Beetle.

The Gypsy Moth is well known for the damage it does to trees, especially the oak tree, and has been in North America since 1868.  Connecticut's dry climate and limited rain fall over the past few years has contributed to growing populations of the Gypsy Moth in the state.  If the population continues to grow, these pests can cause damage to oaks, birches, and other trees on your property.  There are a variety of ways to reduce the continued growth of the population. Click here to view tips on how to minimize impact to trees on your property and prevent further infestation in our community. 

For additional information, visit the Gypsy Moth page of the DEEP website.

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was found in western Connecticut in 2012 and continues to spread eastward throughout state. It was first sited and positively identified in Glastonbury in July of 2015 therefore we hope this educational information can help prevent expanded impact to our town. These small beetles have metallic green wings and a coppery red/purple abdomen and their infestation is limited to ash trees.

For more information, please visit the DEEP website.

The Asian Longhorned Beetle has yet to appear in Connecticut; however, an infestation in nearby Worcester, MA required the removal and double chipping of 30,000 trees. This beetle prefers to infest maples but will consider infesting most hardwood trees. You might recognize it by its long black and white antennas and black and white spotted body.

Helpful Resources

These links provide valuable information on identifying these insects, the status of their infestation in our area, and tips on how to combat and prevent the spread of their infestation.

Gypsy Moths

Gypsy Moth Information from DEEP

Tips for Property Owners Who Discover Gypsy Moths

Asian Longhorned Beetles:

Asian Longhorned beetle Fact Sheet

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

How to Identify an Ash Tree

Ash Inventory and Assessment Guide

Quick Resource Guide to Emerald Ash Borer

Insecticide options for protecting ash trees from Emerald Ash Borers