AUGUSTA — Maine Forest Service insect experts will lead what’s known as a “bark-peeling” workshop aimed at finding evidence of tree-killing bugs.

Using a method reminiscent of an old-fashioned husking bee, entomologists will hold two bark-peeling workshops on Tuesday and again on Jan. 24 to look for evidence of the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect threatening Maine’s forests.

Additional Photos

The emerald ash borer is responsible for millions of dollars of damage to ash trees across the U.S. The adult borer is a metallic, coppery-green color and one-third to one-half inch long. (Photo/David Cappaert of Michigan State University and courtesy of www.forestryimages.com)

Ash-tree owners from central Maine, who earlier this year created tree traps to look for the borers, will bring wood samples to the workshops, where they’ll be peeled by volunteers and examined for signs of the insect.

The emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees across the nation and threatens those in Maine, from backyard shade trees to stands of white, green and black ash in the forests.

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