Now that Christmas is over, a state agency wants people to help prevent the spread of an invasive species.
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says an insect was found on wreaths, and other decorations that use parts of evergreens.
Spokeswoman Donna Gilson says elongate hemlock scale, or EHS, threatens about 40 types of trees, and the state’s Christmas tree farms. She says the insects attach to the underside of evergreen needles, and they look like little brown spots. She says they attack the trees, and while they can’t kill trees on their own, they can weaken trees, and make them more susceptible to other threats.
Gilson says EHS was on decorations that were being sold at large chain stores.
She says people should burn their evergreen decorations, or put them in a plastic bag and throw them out.
