Pine Shoot Beetle Survey

The survey for Tomicus piniperda will be conducted in counties along the Ohio River which are closest to pine shoot beetle infested states. Visual surveys of all Christmas tree farms and nurseries were completed over the entire northern Kentucky area during a two year period with negative findings. Locating traps in pine stands and other vulnerable areas across the river from quarantine areas will enable us to find this pest before it can obtain a foothold. Lindgren funnel traps baited with alpha-pinene lure (un-gelled in a bottle dispenser) will be used. Traps will be checked once every two weeks with specimens sent to the Mississippi Entomological Museum for identification. With pine shoot beetle populations so close to Kentucky, this survey is necessary to find any infestations in the state while they are in the early stages of establishment. One University of Kentucky employee will conduct this survey from March through June. He will set Lindgren funnel traps baited with alpha-pinene lure obtained from APHIS. In the 2012 survey, 37 traps were set in 11 counties. In 2013 survey, 40 traps were set in 11 counties. The survey in 2014 will have approximately the same numbers of traps (37-40) and counties surveyed. Survey data detailing the presence/absence of pine shoot beetle at high risk locations will allow for early detection. Early detection leads to easier and less costly eradication.