OW Emerald Ash Borer interp

This is an Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) trap.  Emerald Ash Borers are a non-native, invasive beetle that feed on ash trees.  Emerald ash borer probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating from Asia, where it is native.  It was first detected in 2002 in Michigan and has spread to 35 states and several Canadian provinces in the past 20 years.

The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients.  The larval damage has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America – negatively impacting native habitats and urban landscapes across eastern North America.  This species is considered the most damaging invasive forest insect pest in North America.

This trap is part of a statewide monitoring project organized by Oklahoma Forestry Services.  Researchers discovered that Emerald Ash Borer is attracted to a specific shade of purple.  Additionally, the traps are baited with a lure, using a chemical called (Z)-3-hexanol, that mimics a chemical signal that is emitted by ash trees, which attracts the beetle.  The outer surface is covered in a non-toxic sticky substance that secures the insects attracted to trap.

Fortunately, we have not found any Emerald Ash Borers in Oliver’s Woods.  In fact, only one has been found in Oklahoma in the past 10 years.