Your Swimming Pool Could Save CNY Trees and Forests

The next time you skim your pool or clean the filter take a closer look and what you've trapped.  The NY Department of Environmental Conservation say it's the best way to get an early jump on two devastating pests that are killing trees.
The DEC's annual pool survey hopes to track the population of the Asian Long Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer, two insects that have destroyed thousands of trees throughout the US.  It's easy to assist with surveillance, if you spot one of these two, snap a pic and send it to the DEC.

Directions for participating in the pool survey are outlined below:

• Through the month of August (when adults are active), check the debris collected in your filter and skimmers at least once a week or when you clean your pool.
• Look for the ALB and EAB
• Take a picture of any insect you think might be one of them
• Send the photos of the insects to foresthealth@dec.ny.gov.
• Freeze the insect in a plastic container until DEC staff respond (typically that will be about a week). Staff will either instruct the participant to discard the insect or give instructions on mailing it, delivering it, or arranging for pick-up.

You can contact the Forest Health Program for a sheet to help identify insects collected, email: foresthealth@dec.ny.gov or call 518.478.7813.  Here are more details about the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer.