Emerald Ash Borer: Have you seen their traps?
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Posted on June 28, 2011 with No Comments
Have you come across one of these purple hanging-lantern objects suspended from a local tree? If you have, maybe you were confused
as to their purpose. They are seemingly inviting, but they are not lanterns or kites. Rather, they are traps to monitor for Emerald Ash Borers [EAB] which are harmful insects that weaken and ultimately kill native ash trees.
EAB’s are not native to our area, but rather introduced from Asia. The Emerald Ash Borers rely on the ash trees as their hosts, explaining why there aren’t traps placed in every tree along your street. Only ash trees need the traps to determine if the borers are present.
The trap does not indicate a problem with EAB’s, but rather indicates their presence so proper protocol can then be followed for control. The Emerald Ash Borers were not considered a harmful specie in Asia because biological control by other species helped in preventing damage to plant life.
These brightly colored triangular traps are smeared with non-toxic glue and Manuka oil to attract the beetles. These scattered traps will help determine if we have Emerald Ash Borers in our area that need to be controlled.
Now you know what those purple triangles are used for! Pretty nifty, huh? Let JP McHale know if you’ve come across any!
Photo Credit 1-Rachael C.

Tags: emerald ash borer, pictures
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