Emerald ash borer spreads to Washington County

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says emerald ash borer has spread to Washington County.

An adult insect was found on a survey trap placed at the Minnesota Department of Transportation's St. Croix Rest Stop on Interstate 94. During a follow-up visit, staff discovered a nearby tree had tunneling consistent with the invasive pest.

Since this was the first time that emerald ash borer was identified in Washington County, the specimen was sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for confirmation.

Washington County is expected to be placed under emergency quarantine, aimed at helping prevent emerald ash borer from spreading outside of a known infested area. Washington County would become the 11th Minnesota county under a state and federal quarantine.

Emerald ash borer was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009.