Purple traps set to capture invasive insect: Emerald Ash Borer

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire agriculture officials are telling people who love to walk in the woods that they'll be seeing a lot of purple this summer.


Purple prism traps resembling box kites will be seen in ash trees as part of a survey to determine if an invasive pest has reached the state: the emerald ash borer.

The insects from Asia can devastate local tree populations. To date, they have not been detected in New Hampshire.

The bugs are attracted to the color and scent of the trap.

New Hampshire is involved in a national project designed to monitor the progress of the insect, which has destroyed millions of acres of trees in 15 other states and Canadian provinces.

The traps don't pose a threat to humans, pets or wildlife.