Developing attractants and trapping techniques for the emerald ash borer

Shortly after the 2002 discovery of emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in southeastern Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, quarantines regulating the movement of ash logs, firewood, and nursery stock were established to reduce the risk of human-assisted spread of this exotic forest insect pest. Accurate delimitation of the infested area is critical for regulatory officials who must establish the quarantine boundaries and implement control measures. Survey crews primarily use signs and symptoms, such as adult exit holes, bark splits over galleries, epicormic shoots, or canopy dieback, to identify potentially infested trees. Newly infested trees, however, typically demonstrate no external symptoms, making it difficult to truly delineate the EAB infestation. Methods to attract and trap adult beetles, which are likely to be present for 10 to 12 weeks in the summer, would substantially increase our ability to identify the leading edge and extent of the EAB distribution.