The Emerald Ash Borer

What is that Purple Thing Hanging in the Tree? 
It's a sticky trap that the United States Department of Agriculture officials and cooperators are using to identify where the invasive pest, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is located. EAB is currently not known to be in Connecticut.

The 2011 CT Emerald Ash Borer Trapping Program.

• The trap uses Manuka oil as an attractant to lure the beetles to it.
  
• The surface of the trap is coated with a sticky substance that is not noxious and although some other insects may get stuck on the trap, the pheromone is designed to target EAB. Birds and other animals will not be harmed by the trap.
  
• The traps will be hung in ash trees from May through August.
  
• The traps will not bring EAB into an area that is not already infested.

   The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a non-native insect with the potential to have a devastating effect on the ash trees of Connecticut. This insect, a bark boring beetle, is perilously close to the state, with a major outbreak outside of Kingston, NY, just 25 miles west of the state line. This insect can be easily moved in firewood and through other means. Because of that, we are encouraging greater awareness of EAB. We hope to reduce the likelihood of its inadvertent spread. We also want to help prepare people for dealing with the insect should it be found in Connecticut.

via: http://clear.uconn.edu/info/eab.htm