AUGUSTA — During August, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the United States Department of Agriculture are asking the public to take a couple of minutes to check trees in their communities and forests for invasive insects.

August, according to a news release, is the peak time of year to see adult wood-boring insects, and the activity of other invasive pests is also visible. 

“Our first defense against invasive species is to prevent their arrival in the first place,” State Horticulturist Gary Fish explained. “Our partners at USDA APHIS and Customs and Border Protection here in the US and Canadian Food Inspection Agency north of the border frequently stop plant pests before they can gain a foothold in North America. However, the volume of trade and travel prevents them from stopping every pest.”

Invasive species are non-native organisms that include plants, animals, and diseases. When introduced to a new environment, they lack natural predators or diseases to keep their populations in check. They are considered invasive when they harm the environment, the economy, and/or human health. Examples of those already impacting Maine's Forests are numerous.

Maine State Forester Patty Cormier recognized the importance of public involvement in protecting our trees from invasive species.

“Trees play an important role in our state economy and provide environmental benefits, including clean air and water and wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities,” Cormier said. “The public, our most important partner in detecting invasive species, is our eyes on the ground. We can avoid tree-loss from invasive species by stopping the spread of these pests.”

What to look for

State officials urge the public to be especially aware of four invasive species during their tree checks.

Asian longhorn beetle - this large (>1) black and white beetle has a taste for maples and other hardwood or broad-leaved trees. Look for the oval to round wounds on the bark where the females have chewed out a site to deposit eggs, round holes in the trunks and branches of trees, and piles of coarse sawdust at the base of trees. Learn more 

Emerald ash borer this small (<1/2) metallic green beetle is deadly for ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees. Look for small (1/8) D-shaped adult exit holes in the bark, winding frass-filled (sawdust-like waste) feeding galleries under the bark, woodpecker feeding, crown dieback, and epicormic shoots. Emerald ash borer has been found in two parts of Maine: York and Cumberland Counties in the south and northwestern Aroostook County in the north. Learn more 

Oak wilt disease this deadly fungal disease of oaks is found in other parts of the United States, including the closest known infestations in New York State. Look for sudden wilt in red oak group (pointed lobes on leaves) trees during summer months. Learn more 

Spotted lanternfly this colorful planthopper is an expert hitchhiker with a broad appetite. Best known for its impacts on grapes and hops, spotted lanternfly feeds on and can damage a wide variety of plants. Look for the brightly colored nymphs and adults but be aware that this insect hitches a ride most subtly as dull-colored egg masses. Like the infamous gypsy moth, the adult lays its eggs on just about anything that is still long enough. Learn mor

“We’re asking people to take 10 minutes to search the trees in their yards, neighborhoods, and forests,” Cormier said. “If you find a suspected invasive pest, take a picture and send us information at bugwatch@maine.gov. It’s quick and easy and will connect you with an expert who can help.”

The photographs should show enough detail that an expert can verify or determine if follow-up is needed. It can be helpful to include an object, such as a coin or pencil, for scale. If it is an insect, try to capture it in case a photo is not enough. Otherwise, make sure you can find the affected tree again if needed. Captured insects can be stored in hard containers in a cool place. Most will survive in the refrigerator long enough to receive a response from the department.

Take Simple Actions to Prevent Spread

There are simple actions that anyone can take to avoid introducing and spreading invasive insects.

Buy firewood where you'll burn it or gather it on site when permitted. When moving firewood, you might also be moving invasive insects and diseases hiding there.

When traveling locally or moving to a new area, check your bags and boxes to make sure they are insect-free. Invasive species can get in and on bags, boxes, vehicles and other items that have been stored outside or in your garage.

”We all have a role to play in preventing invasive species movement,” State Horticulturist Fish said. “Taking just a few minutes to check the trees in your yard can go a long way to ensuring that the forests and trees we rely on now are here for future generations.”