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The outlook for 6 forest pests and diseases in Maine
Maine's control efforts reduced browntail moths by over 96% since 2022 but warming winters and drought threaten to worsen infestations of emerald ash borer and beech leaf disease.
- On Jan. 14, the Maine Forest Service reported relief as deep freezes and control measures reduced some pests, but state officials warned last week this trend may not continue.
- Cold winters have helped slow hemlock woolly adelgid populations, limiting its spread to a couple new towns last year due to frost and predator beetles released by Maine Forest Service, landowners and land trusts.
- Maine has seen some of the most success with the Browntail moth, as the Maine state campaign to cut winter webs reduced coverage to just under 5,000 acres in 2025.
- In 2025, invasive emerald ash borer expanded north into Somerset, Waldo and Hancock counties, threatening ash used by Wabanaki Nations and white ash timber as it kills trees within six years.
- Spruce budworm recently crossed into Maine from the Adirondacks of northern New York and parts of Quebec, prompting the state's EIS to detect and treat hot spots early.
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Associated Press News+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
The outlook for 6 forest pests and diseases in Maine
A combination of deep freezes and control measures have knocked back some prominent Maine forest pests and diseases over the past couple of years, providing relief to Maine trees after years of growing infestations.
·United States
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Total News Sources7
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 43%
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