Emerald Ash Borer discovered in Aitkin County for the first time

Over the winter, the Emerald Ash Borer has been spotted in three new locations throughout Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) confirmed in Aitkin County for the first time. The invasive insect has now been spotted in 54 counties total throughout the state.

The recent infestations are in Pine and St. Louis counties, and the MDA is expanding the original quarantine areas. Fortunately there have been no new sightings of EAB in Mille Lacs County. Although the quarantine is expanded, because of the new evidence in Aitkin County.

An Aitkin County forester found evidence of Emerald Ash Borer at a timber sale site in Malmo Township. They notified state officials for confirmation. Over in Pine County’s Norman Township, the Department of Agriculture confirmed EAB submitted by a resident. Finally, in St. Louis County an EAB report was confirmed in the City of Virginia by the MDA’s online Report a Pest service.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is enacting emergency quarantines in these new areas. Also here’s a map for more of the details. The MDA issues quarantines for all areas known to have EAB to reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect.

Emerald Ash Borer was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. The larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. Often, the trees show several signs of infestation because of this. Woodpeckers like to feed on EAB larvae, and woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of emerald ash borer.

There will also be a virtual informational meeting for residents and tree care professionals will be held on Wednesday, March 26 from 10–11 a.m. Experts from the MDA will give a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. Register at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.