Emerald ash borer traps to be set across Kansas

The state and national departments of agriculture will set 163 emerald ash borer traps across Kansas to help prevent the spread of the destructive beetle.

The invasive insect attacks and kills North American ash trees and typically emerges during June and July. Traps will be laid in 23 counties, including Douglas, Jefferson and Shawnee, starting this month.

Emerald ash borers have been responsible for an estimated economic loss in North America of tens of billions of dollars, according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

A majority of the traps that will be set are three-sided, purple, sticky prism designed to attract the beetle. Others come in a funnel shape and are coated with Fluon, a slippery resin to keep the insects trapped. The traps pose no harm to humans, pets or wildlife.

Kansans are encouraged to report downed traps to the Kansas Department of Agriculture at (785) 564-6698.