Belfast Garden Club Program: Stalking the Emerald Ash Borer in Maine

On Tuesday, October 20 at noon, Gabriel LeMay, an entomologist with the Maine Forest Service, will present the latest news on the Emerald Ash Borer’s journey through Maine. This free presentation, sponsored by the Belfast Garden Club, will be held at the Abbott Room of Belfast Free Library. Everyone is invited to attend.

Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect pest that threatens health and survival of our native ash species. It was first detected in Belfast in 2025. Gabe will present a review and update of the status of Emerald Ash Borer in Maine, including its current distribution and effects on the state’s ash tree populations. Learn what signs and symptoms to look for on your own trees, as well as what treatment options are available for management of this insect.

As an entomologist with the MFS, Gabe provides technical assistance to municipalities, forest landowners, and members of the public. He also manages multiple insect monitoring programs, which include surveys for exotic wood boring beetles and a statewide network of light traps targeting moth species. His areas of expertise include plant-insect interactions, integrated pest management, and entomological impacts on forest health.