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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) in multiple new locations. EAB was confirmed in new areas of Carlton County and was found for the first time in Meeker, Murray, Ottertail, and Wadena counties. There are now 58 counties in the state with EAB.

Where EAB was recently confirmed:

What is EAB:

EAB was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. The insect 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. Also, EAB tunneling can cause the bark to split open, revealing characteristic S-shaped galleries underneath.

Quarantine information:

The MDA is enacting emergency quarantines in Carlton, Meeker, Murray, Ottertail, and Wadena counties. All of Carlton County, excluding the Fond du Lac Reservation, will be quarantined. The entire counties of Meeker, Murray, Ottertail, and Wadena will be quarantined. The quarantines limit the movement of firewood and ash material out of the area. 

The MDA issues quarantines for all areas known to have EAB to reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect.

More information:

A virtual informational meeting for residents and tree care professionals will be held on Tuesday, July 8, from 10–11 a.m. Experts from the MDA will give a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. Register on the MDA website. 

The public will also have an opportunity to provide input on the emergency quarantines before the quarantines become formal. The MDA is taking comments on the emergency quarantine now through August 8, 2025, and recommends adopting the quarantine on August 11, 2025. The proposed quarantine language can be found at the MDA website.

Comments can be made during the virtual meeting or by contacting:

Mark Abrahamson
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155
Mark.Abrahamson@state.mn.us

There is more EAB information on the MDA website. 

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Media Contact
Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications
651-201-6131
Brittany.Raveill@state.mn.us 

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is preparing to aerially manage seven sites in Fillmore, Houston, and Winona counties to slow the spread of spongy moth. Officials will likely conduct the aerial management activities July 1-3, beginning as early as 6:30 a.m. and continuing throughout the day. These dates are dependent on weather conditions in the area.

This operation was originally scheduled for mid-June, however due to federal budget uncertainties and delays the operation was pushed back to early July. 

The seven sites total approximately 28,907 acres. Maps of the sites are available on the MDA website. Residents can also look up their address on an interactive map to determine if they are within any of these blocks. Two of the sites include Minnesota State Parks, Whitewater and Beaver Creek Valley. 

The MDA will use a method of mating disruption which is the aerial application of a non-toxic waxy, food-grade substance containing pheromones specific to spongy moths that confuse the male moths. This makes it difficult for the male spongy moths to find females, reducing mating success. The result is fewer caterpillars hatching and attacking trees next year. 

The mating disruption product will be applied by low-flying yellow planes contracted by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service in a joint project with the MDA. The product is not harmful to humans, animals, birds, or other insects, and will help protect forest health, property values, and the state’s tourism industry.

To help area citizens stay informed, the MDA has set up a Report a Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-6684 with the latest details about treatment dates and times. On the morning of the treatments, residents can call the phone number with any questions they may have. Simply press 0 (zero) to speak to someone. The MDA's website also has information about spongy moths and control efforts. 

Residents can also sign up for text or email updates about treatment progress. On the Spongy Moth Treatment Map you can click each area (outlined in blue) you would like to receive updates for, follow the “sign up for text or email notification” link. 

Spongy moths are among America's most destructive tree pests, having caused millions of dollars in damage to eastern forests. The moths are now threatening Minnesota. If present in large numbers, spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest. Oak, poplar, birch, and willow are among their preferred hosts. The moths spread slowly on their own, but people can unintentionally help them spread by transporting firewood or other items on which the moths have laid their eggs.

Contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 1-888-545-6684 or reportapest@state.mn.us with questions regarding spongy moth and the planned treatment.

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Media Contact
Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications
651-201-6131
Brittany.Raveill@state.mn.us