If you've ever dreamed of becoming a bug investigator, here's your chance.
The state's Department of Environmental Conservation is kicking off its fifth annual Asian longhorned beetle swimming pool survey through the month of August.
The invasive bugs, which have killed hundreds of thousands of trees across the country, emerge during August, according to the DEC. They can often show up in pool filters, trapped in the debris from leaves.
Officials said the monitoring program, which turns citizens into amateur scientists, "has the potential to become New York's most effective method for detecting the invasive beetles." In New York City, the bugs are responsible for killing maple trees.
If you own a pool, here's how to help save the state and city's trees:
► Throughout August, check the debris that forms in your pool filter and skimmers once a week to look for Asian longhorn beetles.
► Snap a photo of any bug you think might be an Asian longhorn beetle.
► Send your photo to foresthealth@dec.ny.gov — and freeze the insect in a plastic container until someone from the DEC responds.
► You'll be instructed to either throw the bug away or mail, deliver or arrange a pickup of it from a DEC official.
