Released April 8, 2009
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Emerald ash borer has been found, with its accompanying devastation to ash trees, in a Victory, Wisconsin, just one mile across the border from Minnesota’s Houston County. It is not the first time the pest has been found in Wisconsin, but its closeness to Minnesota’s southeastern counties puts us on alert to continue efforts to protect our 900 million ash trees.
Authorities are inspecting trees in Minnesota and Iowa to determine whether to put any counties in quarantine. For now, residents and visitors are urged not to move any wood from Houston County. Jeff Hahn, an entomologist with U of M Extension says people should not move wood from other areas either.
“Hitchhiking” in loads of firewood is the primary way emerald ash borer moves into previously uninfested areas. Always buy firewood locally from reputable, professional vendors. When camping, try to buy your firewood on site. Don’t bring firewood home with you—either burn it or leave it at the site.
Be on the watch for ash trees that are dying for unknown causes. You can go to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website, http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab.htm for information on how to recognize emerald ash borer, and distinguish it from look-a-likes (not all green insects are emerald ash borers). The website also explains how to recognize the symptoms of emerald ash borer-infested trees and how to report possible cases. University of Minnesota Extension has gathered more information about the emerald ash borer on their website at: http://www.extension.umn.edu/issues/eab/
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http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2009/emerald-ash-borer.html
Contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu
