The USDA recently completed an updated environmental assessment for the control of spotted lanternfly, and is now seeking public comments. The assessment documents the USDA’s review and analysis of environmental impacts associated with the Spotted Lanternfly Cooperative Control Program. Comments are due by December 11, 2023. Details can be found in the Federal Register.
A map of Massachusetts municipalities with confirmed populations of box tree moth is now available on MDAR’s Pest Dashboard. The caterpillar of this invasive pest feeds primarily on boxwood shrubs (Buxus spp.). Learn more about box tree moth, and report any finds on our invasive pest website.
This is the October 2023 edition of the Mass. Pest Alert newsletter, brought to you by the Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources. Here are the top 4 things to keep an eye out for this month: Subscribe | Follow us @masspests
Our next spotted lanternfly webinar is coming up on November 15, 2023. Hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), this quarterly webinar series will provide you with the most up-to-date information about SLF in Massachusetts. The November session will provide updates on the recent infestations found in Agawam, Holyoke, Southborough, Wellesley, and Weston, […]
October is Firewood Month, and that has us thinking about roasting marshmallows, cozy warm houses, and the impact moving firewood has on invasive species. What’s the problem with moving firewood? Firewood is often cut from dead or dying trees or branches. Many of the pests and pathogens that kill trees can survive in wood long […]
This is the September 2023 edition of the Mass. Pest Alert newsletter, brought to you by the Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources. Here are the top 4 things to keep an eye out for this month: Subscribe | Follow us on Twitter @masspests
Elm zigzag sawfly (EZS) is an invasive leaf-eating insect that has recently been found in Massachusetts. It eats both native and non-native elm trees and can cause extensive leaf damage. Read more about this new pest below, and if you see an elm zigzag sawfly or their damage, please take a photo and send a […]
This is the August 2023 edition of the Mass. Pest Alert newsletter, brought to you by the Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources. Here are the top 4 things to keep an eye out for this month: Subscribe | Follow us on Twitter @masspests
Tree health issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late to save them. Take 5 minutes to look over your trees for signs of insects and diseases for this August’s Tree Check Month. You might be able to catch issues in time to keep your favorite tree healthy for years to come! Pay particular attention […]
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is alerting Massachusetts residents that the invasive pest known as box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) was recently confirmed on Cape Cod (Barnstable County). The box tree moth attacks boxwood shrubs, feeding on the leaves and causing complete defoliation, eventually killing the plant. If you have boxwood shrubs on […]