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State Steps Up Efforts To Thwart Ash Borer Infestation

Beetle Hasn't Been Detected In Wisconsin

UPDATED: 3:23 pm CDT April 17, 2008

More than 3,500 purple traps will be hung on ash trees in Wisconsin as the state increases its efforts to stop the infestation of the destructive emerald ash borer.

The beetle has destroyed millions of trees elsewhere in the Midwest. It's been found in northern Illinois and northern Michigan, but so far hasn't made its way to Wisconsin.

The state Agriculture Department experimented with sticky traps that capture the adult beetle. That effort will be done on a large-scale this year.

State pest specialist Mick Skwarok said that most of the traps will be hung on ash trees within 100 miles of the Illinois infestations and in central and northern campgrounds and lumber mills.

Skwarok said that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is contributing $3o0,000 to the project.