The MDA will be starting a number of surveys for invasive insects and pathogens soon. Surveys planned for this year include:

Fruits and vegetables pathway survey: Community gardens and small farms in and around urban areas are considered at high risk for invasive species because of their proximity to transportation and commerce centers (pathways for invasive species). The MDA works with these sites to monitor for a broad range of insects and diseases including Swede midge, brown marmorated stink bug, clubroot and bacterial wilt and canker of tomato. Read more about this survey at the MDA website.

Forest pathway survey: Similarly, the MDA will be continuing work begun in 2017 in parks and other forested areas in and around urban areas of the state to monitor for invasive pests of trees like the velvet longhorn beetle. The velvet longhorn beetle has been introduced to Minnesota through infested rustic log furniture and has also been found a number of times near the Minneapolis-St Paul airport.

Gypsy moth survey: Significant effort goes into finding new gypsy moth populations so that they can be treated and eradicated or suppressed. About 20,000 gypsy moth traps will be placed and monitored across Minnesota during 2018.

Field crop surveys: Surveys in small grains, soybeans, corn and canola during 2018 will monitor emerging pathogen and insect issues. In addition, these surveys help to demonstrate freedom from problematic insects and diseases that can limit access to markets in other states or counties.

For more information about any of these surveys, contact the MDA at Arrest.The.Pest@state.mn.us.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is again participating in the National Honey Bee Health Survey this summer and is seeking interested beekeepers with at least 10 colonies in a location. Sampled apiaries will  be spread across the state to give an overview of the disease and pest status of honey bee colonies in Minnesota. 

 The survey protocol requires MDA to collect two samples of bees, one that is submitted live and one submitted preserved in alcohol. A frame debris sample is also collected and submitted. The MDA will also note brood diseases and the general condition of hives during sampling.  

 All samples are sent to USDA for analysis and the results are sent directly to the beekeeper. Anyone interested in the survey should contact Blane White at the MDA via email, blane.white@state.mn.us or at 651-201-6578.

There has not been a find of emerald ash borer in a new Minnesota County since August, 2017 when it was found in Martin County, the 16th of Minnesota's 87 counties to be identified as infested. However, during 2018 there have been 11 new cities where emerald ash borer has been discovered in southeastern Minnesota and the Twin Cities area. At the time of publication, 59 of Minnesota's 800+ cities have been confirmed as infested with emerald ash borer. You can keep tabs on all areas where the MDA has confirmed emerald ash borer infestation online:

www.mda.state.mn.us/eabstatus

Emerald ash borer and gypsy moth affect more trees in Minnesota every year, meaning that more people are in need of tree care services. According to Minnesota Statute 18G.07, all persons or companies that provide tree care services in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. This ensures opportunities for communication between tree care providers and the MDA regarding the presence of invasive species like EAB and gypsy moth and any regulations on wood movement to limit their spread.

Before hiring a tree care service, make sure that they are listed on the MDA Tree Care Registry.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has certified seven firewood producers in the state of Minnesota for heat treatment of firewood. Look for the logo when purchasing firewood. It means the firewood is safe to move and is free of emerald ash borer.

Certified firewood producers:

• Emily Forest Products
• JN Firewood  
• Minnesota Firewood LLC
• Paul's Fireplace Wood Inc.
  
• Price Firewood
• Sunset Firewood Company
• TSL Firewood

Find contact information for MDA certified firewood producers at the MDA website.