Trapping Ambrosia Beetles (Curculionidae) with Ethanol-Soaked Tree Bolts in Southeastern Virginia.

Native and invasive ambrosia beetles infest a wide variety of tree species in southeastern Virginia and cause significant damage. We investigated trapping ambrosia beetles by using ten different tree species as lures. One objective of the study was to determine the most effective lure for each species of ambrosia beetle related to tree species and the diameter of the bolt. Sections of tree limbs of two different diameters and 25cm in length were soaked in ethanol and hung from trees in several natural locations, both near water and away from water. Beetles attracted to the lures bored into the bolts and were identified to species following collection.