BUG ALERT: Our trees need our help.

We pass along a bug alert today from the Bureau of Forestry, Elk
State Forest, concerning several non-native insects that have the
potential to kill large numbers of trees.

Three recently introduced insects are of most concern to the
bureau – the emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned beetle, and Sirex
woodwasp. All are wood-infesting species that can be transported
long distances in firewood.

And, once transported into new areas, these insects can become
established and kill local trees, the bureau warns.

One of the most common species of exotic woodwasp detected at
U.S. ports-of-entry associated with solid wood packing materials is
the Sirex woodwasp.

Recent detection of Sirex woodwasp outside of port areas in
United States have raised concerns because this insect has the
potential to cause significant mortality of pines, the bureau
said.

Awareness of the symptoms and signs of a Sirex woodwasp
infestation increase the chance of early detection, and thus, the
rapid response needed to contain and manage this exotic forest
pest.

Sirex woodwasp can attack living pines while our native
woodwasps attack only dead and dying trees.

The infested foliage may initially wilt then change to light
green, yellow and then red. In addition, infested trees may have
resin beads where the females laid their eggs.

When the adults emerge from the tree in August, they must chew
round exit holes 1/8 to 3/8 inches in diameter.

How you can help?

First of all, leave firewood at home – do not transport it to
campgrounds or parks; Use firewood from local sources. And if you
have moved firewood, burn all of it before leaving your
campsite.

CYRUS COLE: An interesting footnote in McKean County history
popped up on the comics page of the Washington Post.

Gale Abbott of Falls Church, Va., mailed us the strip called,
“Flashbacks.” It’s about historic facts and, this one concerned the
Secret Service.

It reads, “From its inception in 1865, the primary mission of
the United States Secret Service was to protect the country’s money
by arresting counterfeiters. One case led to the marshes near
Eldred in northwestern Pennsylvania near the New York State line in
1912 where a recluse named Cyrus Cole lived. He trapped muskrats
and picked berries.”

This was a new one to us. Can any of our readers tell us more
about this oddity in McKean County history?