EAB monitoring in full swing

Henry Martinka, from Shaftsbury, prepares to hang an ermerald ash borer (EAB) trap in his back meadow. The trap is designed to provide data that will help monitor the bugs’ spread. 

Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive insect from Asia that was first detected in Vermont in 2018. It’s currently been detected in 9 counties, although high-risk areas include all 12 counties in the state. The most recent towns confirmed infested and/or high-risk areas include Brattleboro, Vernon, Guilford, Dummerston, Putney, Hartland, Hartford, West Windsor, Windsor, Weathersfield, and Norwich. 

Adult emerald ash borers are green metallic in color with purple/red metallic abdominal segments beneath their wing covers. The traps are baited with a pheromone-based scent. Research has shown that they’re attracted to purple, perhaps because it mimics the abdominal color.