The Forest Service Program for Mass-Trapping Scolytus Multistriatus

Since 1974, when the aggregation attractant of the smaller European elm bark beetle was first synthesized (Pearce et al. 1975). we have been trying to develop techniques for using the attractant to manipulate beetle populations. Tests have been conducted in several locations, each with a different beetle-disease-tree interaction. For example, tests were conducted to prevent the beetles—which vector the Dutch elm disease fungus (DED)—from migrating into small groves of elms that have no significant indigenous beetle populations (Lanier et al. 1976; Lanier 1979). Other tests were designed to suppress beetle populations in small isolated towns that are free of DED (Birch et al. 1977; Birch 1979). And tests were conducted to suppress beetle populations in relatively large elm plantings where both the disease and beetles have been established for several years (Cuthbert et al. 1977).