News

State, feds ask Mainers to go on beetle patrol for bad bug

State, feds ask Mainers to go on beetle patrol for bad bug

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (AP)   State and federal authorities are asking Mainers to keep an eye on trees this month for the Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive pest.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are both asking residents to be on the lookout for the beetle. The USDA has declared August “Tree Check Month” and is asking residents to take five minutes to report any signs they see of the beetle.

The beetle feeds on hardwood trees such as maple, birch, elm and ash. The USDA says it has led to the loss of more than 180,000 trees and active infestations are going on in New York and Ohio.

The beetle is easy to recognize in part because it has antennae longer than its body.

Latest Headlines

59 minutes ago in Sports, Trending

Ohtani is unanimous MVP for 4th time in winning NL honor as Judge edges Raleigh for 3rd AL accolade

Fresh

Shohei Ohtani likes winning Most Valuable Player awards. He loves winning the World Series even more. The two-way Japanese star did both for a second season in a row for the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning his fourth career MVP on Thursday night while unanimously earning the National League honor.

14 hours ago in Local

Rumford Police Arrest Repeat Offender for Check Fraud

Officers say 40-year-old Rex Allen Call, Jr. was arrested Thursday

14 hours ago in Local

UMaine Police Issue Campus Warning in Domestic Violence Search

They say harassment was first reported Monday, but the case was elevated Thursday.

16 hours ago in Local

Bribery scheme involving inmate leads to indictments for three former York County corrections officers

Three former corrections officers at York County Jail accused of accepting money from an inmate have been indicted.

17 hours ago in Features, Trending

Doritos and Cheetos dial back the bright orange in new versions without artificial ingredients

PepsiCo said Thursday it's launching toned-down versions of its bright orange snacks that won't have any artificial colors or flavors. Doritos and Cheetos Simply NKD will hit store shelves on Dec. 1.