Purple things hanging from Pennsylvania trees are bug-fighters

By: Lynne Adkins, KYW Newsradio 1060

Strange purple boxes are springing up in trees along roadways in southeastern Pennsylvania. They're deep purple in color and look like box kites.

But it's not a joke or part of a creative installation.

Jean Kummer, spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, says they're called "purple panel traps," and they're part of a survey to determine how widespread the infestation of emerald ash borers is in certain areas.

"They just attract them. The color and the oils that they put on attract the emerald ash borer, and that way we can determine if they're in that specific area," she explains.

The borers are killing ash trees across the commonwealth. The hardwood is used to make, among other things, baseball bats, and is important to the state's lumber industry.

Kummer says the purple panels will stay up through August, and then officials will decide where the problem is and what action is needed to stop the pests.

(I just grabbed this story...I was wondering what these boxes were)

Bed Bug Travel Tips

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Here are several tips to help travelers remain bed bug-free:

• Pull back hotel bed sheets, inspect the mattress seams, box spring, around and behind the headboard, sofas and chairs for telltale brownish or reddish spots, shed skins or bugs.
• Avoid putting luggage on the bed or upholstered furniture.
• If changing rooms, be sure the new room is not adjacent to the possibly infested room.
• Use a large plastic bag to store luggage.
• Upon returning home, inspect and vacuum suitcases thoroughly before bringing them into the house.
• Wash and dry clothes on hot – whether worn or not or have them dry cleaned.
• Consumers suspecting an infestation should contact a licensed pest professional.