Asian Longhorned Beetle could slow Worcester cleanup

Jenn Forman Orth drives on a Worcester road. See if you can spot any beetles.

As if Worcester didn't already have enough problems, now comes word that residents in the beetle quarantine area are not being allowed to remove downed tree limbs:

Residents inside the Asian Longhorned beetle quarantine area have been told not to cut or remove limbs, because it could actually spread an infestation. Residents who move debris from the quarantine area face fines.

Orth, herself involved in the fight against the demonspawn insects, reports the US Department of Agriculture is extending hours at a special disposal site for wood too large to be chipped by certified companies. She adds:

... This storm is yet another reminder of the damage that Asian longhorned beetle has already done in our state. These wood-boring beetles weaken trees from the inside, making it less likely that trees can survive natural disturbances without suffering damage. Larvae remain active inside the wood for most of the winter. ...

Daily Worcesteria reports some towns in northern Worcester County may not get all their power back until next week and that there isn't a hotel room in all of Worcester to be had as powerless residents seek someplace warm for the night.

Meanwhile, several Worcester radio stations remained off the air as of noontime. WXLO came back live around 11 a.m., but ever since Zito left Jen, who cares?