52 Nebraskaland • July 2022
MIXED BAG
Each year, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Entomology Program surveys for exotic and invasive plant
pests across Nebraska. A majority of these pests are not
known to occur in Nebraska, and surveys help with early
detection and rapid response, should a pest be found. Survey
data is used to determine the presence or absence of these
pests and can help maintain or even open new markets for
Nebraska agricultural products.
When planning a survey, NDA staff considers factors
including pest biology, preferred hosts and possible pathways
for introduction into the state. Many of these surveys are done
in partnership with USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine,
using standardized national survey protocols.
The emerald ash borer trap is hard to miss. At more than
two feet tall and bright purple, it is definitely eye-catching.
Traps are baited with a pheromone lure and hung in the
canopy of ash trees. Adult beetles fly into the trap and are
caught on the sticky surface.
Lindgren funnel traps are used to survey for many
different insects, including velvet longhorned beetle and
walnut twig beetle. The shape of the trap mimics a tree
trunk and is baited with a pheromone lure. Insects fly into
the traps and end up in the collection cup at the bottom of
the funnels.
Wing traps and delta traps can be utilized for a variety of
flying insects, especially moths. A pheromone lure is placed
inside the trap, and insects get stuck when they fly or crawl
inside.
State parks and campgrounds are often included in plant
pest surveys, because invasive pests can easily hitchhike
on firewood and recreational vehicles. Visitors may notice
insect traps while exploring their favorite park or camping
area. While these traps may cause a few second looks, they
pose no danger to humans.
Firewood can spread invasive plant pests. Help protect
our state by using locally-harvested firewood whenever you
camp. Do not take firewood camping; get it when you arrive.
Leave leftover firewood behind; don't bring it back with you.
For more information on NDA's plant pest surveys, visit our
website at nda.nebraska.gov/plant/entomology/index.html.
SURVEYING FOR
PLANT PESTS
By Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Lindgren funnel trap.
CRANSHAW, BUGWOOD.ORG
Emerald ash borer trap.
JULIE VAN METER, NDA
Wing or delta trap.
CAROTHERS, BUGWOOD.ORG
