Shrewsbury Cleared of Asian Longhorned Beetle Quarantine
Shrewsbury has been officially cleared from the Asian longhorned beetle quarantine, becoming the second Worcester County community freed of the destructive, tree-killing pest after years of monitoring and control work, according to local news reports.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradicated In Shrewsbury," Shrewsbury Patch reports. Officials have confirmed the invasive beetle has been fully cleared from town, ending years of tree monitoring and control efforts and lifting wood-movement restrictions that had applied to residents (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/shrewsbury). Hoodline also covered the milestone, headlined "Shrewsbury Beats Back Tree-Killing Beetle, Second Worcester County Town Cleared," noting Shrewsbury is only the second Worcester County town to shed the quarantine while neighboring communities remain regulated (read it at https://hoodline.com/2026/09/shrewsbury-beats-back-tree-killing-beetle-second-worcester-county-town-cleared/).
"What does Shrewsbury's beetle-free status change for your yard?" Shrewsbury Patch's AM newsletter asks in a follow-up item, previewing what the cleared quarantine could mean for homeowners' trees and landscaping going forward (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/shrewsbury).
"Shrewsbury Home Sales, Prices Fell In August As Inventory Rose," per Shrewsbury Patch. The town's housing market cooled last month as more homes came onto the market, giving buyers additional options, Patch reports (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/shrewsbury).
"2 Shrewsbury Firefighters Celebrate Promotions," Shrewsbury Patch reports. Two members of the fire department moved into new leadership roles following a ceremony held this week, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/shrewsbury).
COMING UP
Monday, Sept. 21, is National Opioid and Substance Awareness Day, per the town's official calendar (https://shrewsburyma.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=8070).
Tuesday, Sept. 22, is a busy day at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Ave.: Town Manager office hours and a Regional Opioid Task Force meeting both run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (https://shrewsburyma.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=7297, https://shrewsburyma.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=8068), the Select Board meets at 7 p.m. (https://shrewsburyma.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=6836), and the SELCO Commission meets from 8 to 10:30 a.m. (https://shrewsburyma.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=7906).
The Shrewsbury Retirement Board meets Thursday, Sept. 24, from 8 to 10 a.m., also at the Municipal Office Building (https://shrewsburyma.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=7922).
Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.