MAINE MONITOR • January 23, 2026
A combination of deep freezes and control measures have knocked back some prominent Maine forest pests and diseases over the past couple of years, providing relief to Maine trees after years of growing infestations. But state officials warn that this trend may not continue as new outbreaks spread, winters warm from climate change and drought conditions hamper tree defenses. “Everything we do is impacted by these climate conditions, so drought doesn’t help anything in the forest health world,” said Mike Parisio, entomologist for the Maine Forest Service.