AUGUSTA, Maine — The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle from Asia that can kill ash trees, has not been found in Maine yet, but the Maine Department of Conservation, U.S. Department of Agriculture and other groups are trying to buy some time so the insect can be dealt with if it does appear.

State officials have said the areas most threatened by this beetle include much of western Maine including Franklin and Oxford counties.

On Thursday morning, Maine Forest Service entomologist Colleen Teerling demonstrated a sticky purple triangular trap that will be hoisted into the canopy of 955 ash trees across the state. The trap is designed to attract any emerald ash borer beetles that are nearby, she said.

The beetles have destroyed millions of acres of trees in other states, according to the Department of Conservation. They are getting closer to Maine, but haven’t been found in the state yet. Recently, the beetles have been found in eastern New York state and in Quebec.