It’s Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week (May 18th-25th)! 🪲🌳 Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a destructive, non-native insect that kills ash trees within 3–5 years of infestation. But YOU can help stop the spread! With leaves off the trees, now’s the perfect time to become an EAB detective. Here’s how: 1. Learn to identify ash trees: Knowing how to distinguish ash trees from other trees is an important first step in monitoring and planning on your property and in your community. Fortunately, this pest cannot infest any trees other than ash. Check out these tips and this video to learn more about identifying ash. 2. Look for blonding: Woodpeckers are often the first to detect EAB. They feed on EAB larvae by scratching away the outer bark leaving a “blonding” effect where patched of light-colored bark are exposed. 3. Keep an eye out for galleries: Sometimes you can see serpentine galleries left by larvae. They leave s-shaped scars that weave back and forth across the woodgrain. You can help protect New Hampshire's forests by reporting suspect trees or insects, being aware of the risks of spreading EAB, and by using best management practices to avoid transporting this pest to your favorite outdoor spot. Protect NH forests—be on the lookout and spread the word, not the bug! (fb)

🕷️ Found a tick on yourself, a loved one, or a pet? Don’t panic—get it tested! UNH Extension offers a tick testing service to help identify the tick species and check for harmful pathogens like Lyme disease. Fast, affordable and available to the public, our service helps you take informed action if you've had a tick bite you. ✅ Test the tick for disease-causing pathogens ✅ Get peace of mind 📬 Simply order the test online, mail the tick and code to the lab and receive results in just a few days. ➡️ Learn more or order a test by visiting the link in our comments. Protect your health. Know your risk. (fb)