Published: June 05, 2008 02:35 pm            

Purple Traps to be placed in late May to detect Emerald Ash Borers

June 4, 2008 — Bright purple triangular objects (one X two feet) resembling box kites (Image attached) will be used to detect adult emerald ash borers in northern Kentucky starting in mid- to late-May. These traps will be baited with a manuka oil beetle attractant and glue to lure and capture emerald ash borers (EAB).

"These traps were designed to catch EAB beetles that are active in the areas, they won't attract infestations. Research has shown this to be the most effective survey tool that is available," said Lee Townsend, UK extension entomologist. "We ask that people do not disturb the traps during the survey for this destructive pest."

Traps will be set out on a grid system of approximately 2500 survey points in counties north of I-64 in Kentucky. Traps will be located along the edges of woodlots, except in areas where ash trees are not present. Traps will also be placed at campgrounds and other locations in Kentucky with high camper and tourist traffic, including Land Between the Lakes, Bernheim Arboretum, Mammoth Cave National Park and Lake Cumberland. These sites were chosen because long distance movement of EAB has been linked to the movement of firewood from infested areas.

Traps will be placed at least 5 feet off the ground in the branches of selected trees. Preferably the trap will be placed in an ash tree; however, if that is not possible, another tree species will be used. If EAB is in the area, they will be drawn to the trap regardless of what kind of tree holds the trap.

Individuals working for the Kentucky State Entomologist’s staff will be placing traps in trees on both public and private land.

Emerald ash borer survey employees will be hanging traps in trees through at least early June. The traps will be removed in late August.

Anyone interested in volunteering ash trees as trap sites should contact Janet Lensing, state survey coordinator (859) 257-5838 or jrlens2@uky.edu.

More information about emerald ash borer is available online at www.emeraldashborer.info. If you find an ash tree in Kentucky that you think is infested by the emerald ash borer please call the USDA APHIS Emerald Ash Borer Hotline (866) 322-4512 or the Office of the State Entomologist (859) 257-5838 or the Carter County Extension Office at 474-6686.

        

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