The Queensland longhorn beetle, an invasive insect native to Australia, has caused serious damage to trees across Hawaii over the past year. The beetle was first identified in Puna in 2009 but has now spread north through Hilo and the Hamakua Coast, attacking cacao, avocado, citrus, ulu (breadfruit), and kukui trees. Farmers reported seeing boreholes, sawdust-like waste, and tree sap seeping from infected trunks, clear signs of infestation. Experts from the Big Island Invasive Species Committee warned that the pest could devastate Hawaii’s agricultural and cultural crops if not contained. The problem worsened when federal agencies responsible for pest control were affected by the government shutdown, delaying the production of biological treatments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recognized the beetle as a potential danger to the national citrus and hardwood industries, which are worth nearly $3 billion annually.

Efforts to control the beetle include the use of nematodes—microscopic worms that kill larvae inside the trees. This method, developed by the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, is labor-intensive and difficult to maintain on large farms. Farmers continue to face financial losses, with some cacao growers losing hundreds of trees valued at about $1,000 each. Despite challenges, researchers have found a naturally occurring fungus that may limit the beetle’s spread. The Hawaii Legislature has allocated more funding for biosecurity programs and pest research, but experts emphasize the need for sustained vigilance and collaboration to protect local agriculture. The situation illustrates the pervasive, detrimental, and formidable impact of invasive species, as well as the resilience and innovation required to safeguard Hawaii’s environment.