City of Brandon Emerald Ash Borer Beetle Monitoring Program


September 20, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Community Services Department wishes to advise the public that it has begun a pro-active monitoring program for the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle.

The wood-boring beetle exclusively attacks ash trees. Though native to Asia, the beetle has migrated to North America in recent years and has been detected in parts of eastern Canada. While no EAB activity has been confirmed in Manitoba, the City of Brandon is taking a pro-active approach to the potential for the emergence of the forest pest and has installed pheromone traps in a number of ash trees to assist in early detection. Signs have also been affixed to a number of ash trees in City parks and along walking paths in Brandon to assist in public awareness.

Members of the public are asked to notify the Community Services Department if they notice damage to pheromone traps or signage on ash trees around Brandon.

The public is also encouraged to help prevent the potential of EAB establishment in Manitoba by NOT moving firewood long distances.  Buy firewood locally and leave it where you bought it.

More information about the Emerald Ash Borer beetle can be found on the Province of Manitoba website here: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/forestry/health/eab_2014.html or by visiting the Brandon Environment Committee’s website at www.brandonenvironment.ca.