Wichita ? Kansas is bracing for an onslaught of tree pests now plaguing neighboring states.

The state’s Agriculture Department along with the Kansas Forest Service and Kansas State University are holding pest detector workshops this week for members of the public.

Authorities hope early detection will help stem the spread of the emerald ash borer, a type of beetle that has destroyed millions of trees in several states including Missouri.

The other concern is a beetle-and-fungus complex called Thousand Cankers Disease of Walnut, which attacks walnut trees. The disease has reached Colorado.

The workshops take place Tuesday in Wichita and Wednesday in Lawrence.

Registration can be made through the Kansas Forest Service at 785-532-3301.