US Intercepts Cargo Infested With Asian Long-Horned Beetle Larvae in Port Huron, MI

On Monday, US Customs and Border Protection (CPB) announced that it had intercepted a highly invasive wood-boring beetle before it could destroy US forest and ecosystems, UPI reported (4-8-25).

The live Asian long-horned beetle, which can cause significant damage to hardwood trees, was discovered during an inspection of wood cargo from Romania on March 17. CBP agriculture specialists at the Port Huron rail yard in Michigan found solid insect waste before discovering live beetle larvae.

The beetle larvae were found inside wood pallets that were stamped with a marking to show that they had been heat-treated to prevent invasive species. The treatment is required by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures of the International Plant Protection Convention and is the international standard for the safe use of wooden pallets and crates.

While the marking on the wood packaging material “appeared to be legitimate,” agents believe the heat treatment process may not have been “executed properly.”

In a statement, CBP Director of Field Operations Marty Raybon said:

“Every successful interception, like this one, prevents potential devastation to our hardwood trees and reinforces our commitment to keeping invasive pests from harming our environment and economy. Asian long-horned beetle is a destructive invasive species that threatens our forests and urban landscapes. This discovery underscores the vital role our agriculture specialists play in protecting the nation’s natural resources and economy.”