JUNE 24 EDITION OF "ASK THE ARBORIST"

Have you noticed any of these strange looking purple traps in your area?   These purple traps according to “UCON Extension Service” are what the Department of Agriculture and local state agencies are using to determine if Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is in the area.  The triangular trap is coated with Manuka Oil as an attractant to lure the beetles to it.  The surface of the trap is coated with a sticky material that causes the EAB to adhere to it.  The traps will be hung from May until August and are not harmful to wildlife.  Emerald Ash Bores are quite visual, so in developing a suitable trap, a 3D design was made to mimic the silhouette of an open grown Ash tree. Research has shown the Emerald Ash Bore is positively attracted to purple hence the color of the trap.  Most pheromone type traps only have one surface area and the 3D design gives added surface area for trapping more beetles.  Sadly I must report Emerald Ash Borer was confirmed here in Connecticut several years ago and most recently the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station reported EAB activity in North Haven, CT last weekend.  The Emerald Ash Borer is quite a problem and we will cover the beetle in more detail in Wednesday's edition of “Ask the Arborist”  If you are experiencing any problems with your Ash trees or any other trees please contact Forester Jeff for your FREE TREE LOOK-UP FROM THE TRUNK-UP!    jeff@yackoandsons.com or 203-733