44 days ago
YORK (NEWS CENTER) -- The Maine Forest Service has enlisted the help of a tiny beetle to try to save native hemlock trees. Forest Service entomologists delivered 400 of the beetles to a wooded area in the York Water District Wednesday. The hemlocks have been infested with wooly adelgids
But it's going to be a while before anyone sees results. Maine Forest Service entomologist Allison Kanoti said it could be decades before they know whether the beetles have been effective.
The one other problem with this plan is that the beetles might die if we have a harsh winter. The Forest Service had to release them now, though, because that's when they feed.
The beetles normally cost 3 dollars each, but the Forest Service got them for free through a grant. Entomologists are unaware of any other effective way of eradicating the adelgid.
The Forest Service also is hoping for help from the public in identifying other places the adelgid may have spread. If you think you spot adelgid on hemlocks near you, you can give Allison Kanoti a call at 287-2431. You can also email her at allison.m.kanoti@maine.gov.
NEWS CENTER
