“Despite the recent downward trend in local Maine SBW populations and activity reflected in our monitoring program, we cannot conclude that SBW populations have returned to and will remain at endemic levels in the upcoming years. As historical knowledge tells us and as evidenced in our more recent long-term dataset going back to 1992, populations are likely to continue to fluctuate. For that reason, we will continue to carefully monitor the situation and provide timely updates to our stakeholders.” – Maine Forest Service, 2022 SBW Annual Report
Noteworthy monitoring updates that are available in the report include:
- Relatively stable pheromone trap catch numbers (average of 12 moths/trap in 2021 and 15 moths/trap in 2022)
- Statewide light traps also picked up a slight increase in the average number of spruce budworm moths captured
- L2 averages are slightly elevated
You can view and download the report below. Mike Parisio is the Maine Forest Service (MFS) entomologist who coordinates the monitoring program for spruce budworm. In March 2023, Mike hosted a webinar detailing the last five years of budworm activity and tracking by MFS. The webinar was recorded and will be available on their YouTube page once it is published. For more information from MFS on spruce budworm, including monitoring reports from previous years, you can visit their website.