fbpx
Published August 29, 2022

Beware of Bad Beetles

Written by
Kim Fundingsland
| The Dakotan
This Lindgren funnel trap is located in Minot’s Oak Park, one of several such traps placed at various locations by Minot Parks to monitor invasive species of wood boring beetles. (Photo: Kim Fundingsland/The Dakotan)
This Lindgren funnel trap is located in Minot’s Oak Park, one of several such traps placed at various locations by Minot Parks to monitor invasive species of wood boring beetles. (Photo: Kim Fundingsland/The Dakotan)

Trapping Invasive Species 

Kim.fundingsland@mydakotan.com

MINOT – Keeping beetles at bay is one of the reasons for various traps designed to capture the sometimes unwelcome bugs. Three different beetle traps have been in use in the City of Minot this summer. 

According to Guy Hanley, Minot Parks entomologist, the black, funnel-type traps, such as the one shown above, have been in use in the city for several years. 

“The black ones are Lindgren funnel traps, used to monitor invasive species of wood boring beetles,” said Hanley. “Some beetles have been artificially imported into the state. One of them was transmitting Dutch elm disease in the city a few years ago.” 
 

Hanley says the beetle trapping season started in June and continues into the fall season. He checks all 13 Lindgren funnel traps once a week. Several of the traps are located near the city landfill where cut branches and trees accumulate. 

“That’s a hotspot for beetle activity,” said Hanley. 

Hanley keeps track of other bug traps too. There’s a system of purple, triangular shaped traps designed to lure the emerald ash borer, and green and yellow bottle-type traps that capture Japanese beetles. 

“The emerald ash borer came from Mongolia and is in Wisconsin and Michigan. We haven’t seen one here yet,” remarked Hanley. “The Japanese beetles are very damaging to rose bushes, grapevines, and ornamental trees. We’ve got 30 of those traps out all over town. Minneapolis has Japanese beetles by the millions. We have them here, but in very low numbers.” 

Colorful Japanese beetles are easily recognizable. Outbreaks of Japanese beetles can kill trees, rose bushes, and grapevines. (Photo: Submitted) 

Hanley encourages anyone who thinks they have identified a Japanese beetle to contact Minot Parks. The beetle winters in the ground, eggs and larvae, where deep frost likely keeps the population in check. 

“It’s usually frozen too long here, we believe,” said Hanley. “We have seen breeding pairs here, so they could become problematic. Just not yet.” 

The city’s beetle population got a boost following the 2011 flood when the insects were attracted to an abundance of stressed trees. Yearly trapping has resulted in a better understanding of what kinds of beetles are in the area. 

“We’ve learned some really interesting things,” said Hanley. “We added a lot of beetles that we didn’t know we had here. We know now. They are not doing any harm. They’re native, but just hadn’t been caught here.” 

Stay connected to the latest news
Subscription Form (#3)

About the Author

Trending Now
The Dakotan Newsletter
Subscribe to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox
Newsletter Form (#4)
© AndMuse, LLC 2024 Login Email
LIVE: 2022 Minot Mayoral Forum
Click to Watch Live
cross
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram