Insect being tracked
Recently the Banner Graphic has received several reports of an odd purple triangular device seen hanging in Ash trees along county roads in southern Putnam County.
Emergency Management personnel even called to ask if the paper knew what they were.
The EMA received a call from a local resident that believed they were part of a terrorist attack plan.
The devices are traps to lure the Emerald Ash Borers (EAB) so the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forestry Division can track the movement of the destructive pest.
According to Alan Royer, DNR Forestry Division, the insect is an invasive pest that kills ash trees.
"It spreads by people bringing in infected wood from other areas. It has already been detected in Michigan's Lower Peninsula and in parts of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. So far we haven't had any reports of them in Putnam County," said Royer.
Because EAB threatens the survival of all North American Ash trees, Royer says it's important that the public be on the lookout for the insect and learn what they can do to slow its spread and reduce damage after it arrives.
Signs that indicate EAB on Ash trees include a thinning of leaves that starts in the top of the tree, the presence of tiny (1/8 inch) D-shaped holes in the bark, a green, leafy sprouting at the base of the tree and activity by woodpeckers on Ash trees.
"The most important prevention for the EAB is not moving firewood any long distance. Don't take firewood with you when camping. Buy it from local sources when you arrive at your destination and burn it completely before you leave," adds Royer.
Areas where quarantines are in place do not allow any hardwood firewood to be moved. They also regulate Ash nursery stock, and Ash limbs and debris.
Violating the EAB quarantines is illegal and can result in heavy fines.
Counties closest to Putnam with quarantines in place are Marion and Hamilton counties.
For more information on the EAB call the Indiana DNR's toll-free hotline at 866-NO EXOTIC (866-663-9684) or visit Purdue's newly updated Web site at www.entm.urdue.edu/EAB.