Netting Wasps To Help Fight Emerald Ash Borer
Scientists in Minnesota believe they've found an insect that can do what they haven't been able to do very well -- get rid of the emerald ash borer.
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Scientists in Minnesota believe they've found an insect that can do what they haven't been able to do very well -- get rid of the emerald ash borer.
On a warm spring night, Anoka County homeowners are indoors, spending an evening learning about an insect that's invading their property.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has confirmed an emerald ash borer infestation in Anoka County. It says the destructive tree pest was found in an ash tree on private property in the city of Ham Lake.
Since she was a child, the giant ash tree that towered over Rebecca Robinson's small home offered a cool refuge during sultry Midwest summer days. It was the same down her tree-lined neighborhood's block and throughout much of Waterloo, a leafy Iowa city that's home to about 4,000 ashes.
Over the next eight years, the city of Minneapolis plans to remove about 40,000 ash trees from around the city in order to combat the Emerald Ash Borer, a tiny green bug that's responsible for taking down trees that have stood for decades.
Minnesota officials have confirmed trees in Olmsted County are infested with the destructive emerald ash borer. The state Department of Agriculture said Wednesday the county will join Hennepin, Houston, Ramsey and Winona counties in a state and federal quarantine to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Emily from St. Cloud wants to know what happens to all the sandbags after the flooding is over? If the sand isn't contaminated with floodwater, it can be used as fill for things like playgrounds and sidewalks. But in most cases, the sand is contaminated.
Over the next eight years, Minneapolis will remove 40,000 ash trees from parks and boulevards, part of a $9-million initiative that began in January to eliminate the emerald ash borer. The beetle has killed millions of trees in the U.S., and has invaded neighborhoods across the Twin Cities. Ralph Sievert, director of forestry for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, says the idea is to phase them out over a period of time.
Minnesota officials reported success Wednesday in the battle to slow the spread of emerald ash borers, saying stingless wasps released in Great River Bluffs State Park near Winona two years ago are reproducing, which is evidence they're attacking the destructive tree pests.
Before you head to the cabin this 4th of July, the Minneapolis Park Board has an important message. Do not bring any wood you may have chopped from downed trees. They say this is imperative in their fight to stop the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.
Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed this week Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week in Minnesota. The designation is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the destructive nature of the tree pests, and to spread the word about the "three P's of EAB" -- Prepare, Protect, and Plant.
Minneapolis officials are warning homeowners against pruning their ash trees.
Three new emerald ash borer infestations have been confirmed – one in Minneapolis, and two in St. Paul, says the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Jason DeRusha replies to your cold weather questions.
An infestation of Emerald Ash Borer looks to dramatically alter the look of Fort Snelling Golf Club. Crews with the city's Park and Recreations Board were scheduled to begin removing about 200 ash trees from the golf course on Monday.
The emerald ash borer has found its way into La Crescent, Minn.
Minnesota is plotting its next steps in the fight to stop the spread of emerald ash borers.
At the University of Minnesota they're studying small wasps to see if they'll survive a Minnesota winter.
Experts will be gathering in La Crosse this week to share the latest information on invasive species.
The winner of Thursday's Celebrity Butter Carving Contest at the Minnesota State Fair? WCCO's very own, Rachel Slavik of course. She effortlessly churned out a replica TV and WCCO 4 logo for the title.
The tree-killing pest – the emerald ash borer – has done serious damage to trees at a local golf course. A new case, the first in 2012, was discovered at Fort Snelling Golf Club near the airport in Hennepin County.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture hopes trained sniffer dogs can become a new line of defense against the invasive pests, which threaten ash trees across the state and across the country.
Minnesota agriculture officials are encouraged by the initial results of a new way to find emerald ash borers.
In Minnesota, emerald ash borers usually strike the first of May, but not this year. They're actually striking now. Our warm spring has brought the tree killing beetle earlier than usual.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is preparing to hang thousands of traps across Minnesota in the hunt for emerald ash borer.
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales officially submitted their resignation letters to the House clerk on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service confirms three tornados hit southern Minnesota Monday night in Amboy, Matawan and Elmore.
The unpopular war with Iran and stubborn affordability issues have given Democrats cause to be more hopeful about their chances of flipping key seats — and maybe even winning control of the Senate.
For the third time in four years, the Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Denver Nuggets in the NBA playoffs.
The Lowry's last day will be April 26.
Golden Valley, Minnesota, is placing its interim police chief in the position permanently, six months after the resignation of his predecessor.
With a billion in Medicaid cuts, Hennepin Healthcare, a hospital that serves people with or without insurance, will likely close if state lawmakers don't act.
Families in one of Minnesota's largest school districts will need to change their routines after the school board decided to shift start times.
A man is dead and state officials are investigating after a fire at a North St. Paul, Minnesota, home on Monday morning.
Amarie Alowonle, 19, was shot and killed during a gathering at a Robbinsdale park last May. Her family is pushing for answers since that time.
The National Weather Service confirms three tornados hit southern Minnesota Monday night in Amboy, Matawan and Elmore.
A woman was killed and several other people were injured in a crash in central Minnesota Sunday evening, according to authorities.
Severe storms that produced several tornadoes and widespread hail rolled through southern Minnesota on Monday afternoon and evening.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the incident happened just after 8 a.m. on Highway 40 at 60th Street Southwest, west of Willmar.
Abdirashid Ismail Said, the main suspect in what Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called the "largest-ever Medicaid fraud prosecution," has disappeared, according to officials.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
Leaders on the board that oversees the Universities of Wisconsin say that the fired president of the system was slow to address pressing issues like artificial intelligence and feared upsetting policymakers, faculty and staff.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Officials at the Universities of Wisconsin have fired the system's president after he refused their offer to quietly resign and said they never gave a clear reason why he should.
Democratic-backed candidate Chris Taylor has won election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, growing its liberal majority.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales officially submitted their resignation letters to the House clerk on Tuesday.
The unpopular war with Iran and stubborn affordability issues have given Democrats cause to be more hopeful about their chances of flipping key seats — and maybe even winning control of the Senate.
President Trump insists Iran is ready to reach a peace agreement while ramping up the pressure with his partial U.S. military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Police sprayed chemicals inside former House Speaker Melissa Hortman's home last summer while searching for her and her husband's killer. The Hortman's son says that it caused damage that required extensive cleanup. A new proposal at the Capitol would require authorities to share what kind of chemicals they use when trying to catch someone or executing a warrant.
A woman living in Minnesota was just days away from an important surgery. Then she was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As Beret Leone reports, Andrea Pedro-Francisco is still waiting for the critical procedure.
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from New York to Chicago has been charged with making a false bomb threat that forced an emergency landing at Detroit Metro Airport last month, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Your car isn't the only vehicle that needs gas. It's a huge budget item for Minnesota fire departments, police and mass transit.
A woman who had a revoked license was charged Monday in connection to a fatal head-on crash on an Eden Prairie, Minnesota, highway over the weekend.
Amarie Alowonle, 19, was shot and killed during a gathering at a Robbinsdale park last May. Her family is pushing for answers since that time.
Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez claimed she was "brutally assaulted by multiple people" for filming and reporting on Saturday's protest.
A Minneapolis gang member pleaded guilty to racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced Friday.
Police say they are working to determine if the man was struck by a vehicle or if a vehicle dragged him as it drove away.
With a billion in Medicaid cuts, Hennepin Healthcare, a hospital that serves people with or without insurance, will likely close if state lawmakers don't act.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising can be finding enough time to work out. WCCO explores whether upping the intensity can give someone the same benefits in a shorter amount of time.
A Burnsville, Minnesota, woman who was supposed to have an ovarian cyst removed but was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents days before her surgery is living in severe pain, according to her lawyer.
Psychedelic mushrooms were widely known as a recreational and illegal drug in the 60s and 70s. Now, two bills at the Minnesota State Capitol would make it easier to access the fungi.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
Brad Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3.
Minnesota's own Bob Dylan will return to the Twin Cities to play a show at the new Mystic Lake Amphitheater this summer.
Lady Gaga is still slated to perform in St. Paul later this week, despite canceling her Monday night show in Montreal.
A federal judge in New York has tossed out actor Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against actor Justin Baldoni over their roles in the movie "It Ends With Us," but left intact a claim for retaliation.
For the third time in four years, the Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Denver Nuggets in the NBA playoffs.
Nick Foligno, Michael McCarron and Danila Yurov scored for the Minnesota Wild in Monday night's 6-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
Victor Caratini and Ryan Jeffers each homered and drove in three runs and the Minnesota Twins knocked out Boston's Garrett Crochet in the second inning en route to a 13-6 victory.
The Minnesota Lynx selected guard Olivia Miles with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft on Monday.
The Minnesota Timberwolves rested almost all their regulars for the playoffs during a 132-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, as franchise icon Kevin Garnett made a special appearance for fan appreciation night in the regular-season finale.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
The Trump administration's positions on a number of issues is prompting debate on constitutional powers versus executive orders.
The Trump administration's positions on a number of issues is prompting debate on constitutional powers versus executive orders. WCCO spoke with David Schultz, a congressional law professor at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, to get some clarity.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising can be finding enough time to work out. WCCO explores whether upping the intensity can give someone the same benefits in a shorter amount of time.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
It's estimated that children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. On average, the fires they start cause nearly 1,000 injuries and 150 deaths each year.
As we all pay more to fuel our cars, drivers might miss the savings hidden right at the pump. It comes down to timing, then adjusting your routine.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
The National Weather Service confirms three tornados hit southern Minnesota Monday night in Amboy, Matawan and Elmore.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Tuesday will be cloudy and quiet, with temps in the 60s.
Tuesday will be quiet, and we’ll have on-and-off rain chances the rest of the week.
Minnesota will get a break on Tuesday after severe storms rolled through parts of the state.
Tuesday will be cloudy and quiet, with temps in the 60s.
The speakers say shaken baby syndrome is still one of the leading causes of death related to child abuse in Minnesota.
After 15 years, the Hennepin Avenue establishment is closing its doors.
Melanie Metz has been hunting down tornadoes for the last 25 years.
If you didn't get a chance to go on spring break, you can still enjoy a travel-inspired menu at The Burrow in Victoria and Oakdale and The Fair on 4 at Mall of America.