January 27, 2012

Forest service relieved to find no ash borers

The Associated Press

AUGUSTA — Maine Forest Service insect experts say a "bark-peeling" workshop aimed at finding evidence of tree-killing bugs found no evidence of the insects.

click image to enlarge

The emerald ash borer

Courtesy photo

Using a method reminiscent of an old-fashioned husking bee, entomologists held two bark-peeling workshops that concluded this week. They looked for evidence of the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect threatening Maine's forests.

The results were just what entomologists were hoping for: no sign of the borers.

The emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees across the nation and threatens all of those in Maine, from backyard shade trees to stands of white, green and black ash in the forests.

Maine state entomologist Dave Struble says ash borers are established just outside the borders of New England and are knocking at Maine's door.

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