City Sets Beetle Traps in Common, Public Garden

In an effort to curb the impact of elm bark beetles in Boston parks, the city announced Thursday they are expanding the use of "experimental" traps in several locations, including near Beacon Hill.

According to the city parks and recreation department, the city has placed traps in 24 locations in the Emerald Necklace and Copley Square, expanding a practice that started in 2012.

Six traps have been placed in Boston Common, five in the Public Garden, five on side streets near the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and one in Copley Square.

In addition, five have been placed in the Fenway Victory Garden and two now exist along the Muddy River.

You may see the traps, which are 18.5-by-28-inch green plywood boxes placed 15 feet above ground in trees that are all at least 150 feet away from any elm trees.

The city said the traps will be in place until October. They each contain a paper lining with a sticky surface that "acts like old-fashioned flypaper." No pesticides or harmful chemicals are contained in the traps, according to the city.

These elm bark beetles cause damage to trees when larvae builds "galleries" in the bark. The city said adult beetles can cause further harm if they carry Dutch elm disease spores from sick to healthy trees.

Trapping and monitoring the beetles will help scientists determine what species of beetles are hurting city elm trees and develop a program that will curb Dutch elm disease in Boston, according to the city.