AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine is asking residents to keep an eye on trees near their homes and neighborhoods for strange bugs.
August is a peak time of the year to be able to observe invasive insects, which can do damage to trees in the state. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have issued a request for the public to check trees for the pests.
Invasive species to look for include the Asian longhorn beetle, emerald ash borer and spotted lanternfly. Residents might also notice a fungal disease on trees called oak wilt disease.
The forestry department said residents can find information about the pests on its website and then report any findings to the state.
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