Insect Pests, Plant Diseases and Pesticide Safety Archives - Cooperative Extension

Skip to main navigation Skip to site navigation Skip to content

Insect Pests, Plant Diseases and Pesticide Safety

2024 tick surveillance program annual report graphic

2024 Surveillance Report from UMaine Extension Tick Lab highlights tick-borne disease risk

Orono, Maine — In 2024, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab processed 4,776 tick submissions including samples from 398 towns, representing all of Maine’s 16 counties. The majority (3,650) were identified as deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, while American dog ticks accounted for 1,045 samples. Laboratory testing showed that 41.5 percent of […]

Gardening workshop on creating sustainable landscapes offered by UMaine Extension

Bangor, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host an in-person workshop, Rooted in Sustainability: An Introduction to Growing a Thriving and Healthy Landscape, on April 29, 2025, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Sprague’s Nursery and Garden Center, 7 Sprague’s Way, Bangor. This workshop will provide gardeners with the essential tools to create […]

students at Cave Hill School identifying ticks

Adult volunteers needed to help 4-H youth understand ticks

Orono, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension is seeking adult volunteers in Cumberland, Androscoggin, Sagadahoc and York counties to become 4-H Tick Project Mentors. Mentors will guide youth in learning about ticks and tick safety using engaging hands-on activities offered through the 4-H Tick Project. “Understanding ticks is crucial for both human and environmental […]

UMaine Extension webinar on backyard pollinators March 19

Orono, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a webinar for home gardeners titled “Backyard Resilience for Pollinators” from 6 – 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19. Participants will learn about the interdependence of pollinators, plants and the environment. Hannah Mullally, Wildlife Biologist for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Maine Field Office, will […]

UMaine Extension offers vegetable and fruit school on March 25

Lewiston, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Association are hosting a Maine Vegetable and Fruit School from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m on March 25 at the University of Southern Maine Lewiston Campus, 51 Westminster Street. Topics include pest management for beans, lettuce and carrots; weather […]

UMaine Extension presenting workshop on managing garden insects at Stetson library

Stetson, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Stetson Public Library are co-hosting a workshop for home gardeners on managing insects and diseases from 6-7:30 p.m. on March 3 at the Stetson Public Library, 70 Village Road (snow date March 4). Gardening joy can come hand-in-hand with gardening woes like Japanese beetles, slugs, […]

National Conference for the National Plant Diagnostic Network Branding Post

Portland slated to host a national plant diagnostic conference this September

Portland, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host the 2024 National Conference for the National Plant Diagnostic Network, September 9-13, at the Westin Portland Harborview, 157 High Street. The conference consists of two days of general session with over 15 presentations or panels covering various topics in plant diagnostics followed by two days […]

Extension offers disease and weed management workshop for Christmas tree growers

Cornville, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer an Integrated Disease and Weed Management in Christmas Tree Production course on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 3 – 6:30 p.m. at Quinn’s Tree Farm, 290 West Ridge Road in Cornville. Participants will learn how to apply crop protectants using backpack sprayers safely and efficiently. […]

UMaine Extension to hold informational webinar on two of Maine’s troublesome pests

Orono, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Bangor Public Library are hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, April 30 from 6 – 7 p.m. featuring two pressing ecological concerns impacting local landscapes: jumping worms and browntail moths. State Horticulturist Gary Fish will outline how jumping worms have been confirmed in 13 of 16 […]

Top