Emerald ash borer found in Winona

Winona city officials confirm they've found the emerald ash borer within city limits.

The insect was found in one tree in a subdivision on the south edge of town, said Assistant City Manager Keith Nelson.

He said while this year's sub-zero temperatures were expected to kill many of the insect's larvae, it wasn't cold enough in southern Minnesota for enough consecutive days to eliminate the insect.

"This part of the state is warmer portion of the state. It has to be 20 below for a significant amount of time to take out a high percentage of the emerald ash borer. It just didn't get that cold in the Winona area," Nelson said.

The city has chemically treated about a third of ash trees on public boulevards and parks, he said.

This is the latest in a series of emerald ash borer infestations discovered in Minnesota since 2009. The insect has been found in the metro area, as well as southeastern Minnesota.

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