One great source for detailed information about treatment options in Minnesota is the University of Minnesota Extension website at www.extension.umn. edu. To make it easier for residents to determine the best course of action, scientists from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and University of Minnesota Extension offer the following tips:

TIMING IS EVERYTHING. In Minnesota, experts advise that treatments be conducted in mid-autumn or late spring. To ensure that the product is in the leaves by the time the adults emerge to feed in early to mid June, product is most effective when applied several weeks in advance.

CONSIDER WHETHER THE TREE IS WORTH PROTECTING. Trees enhance property value and aesthetic value, but in some cases it may be more cost effective to replace a small or struggling ash tree than it is to pay the recurring cost of protective treatments (typically between $50 and $200 for each treatment).

DON'T START TREATMENTS UNTIL THE PEST IS NEAR. Start treatments only after an emerald ash borer infestation is confirmed within 15 miles of your property. With the infestation in St. Paul, this 15 mile radius now includes most of the Twin Cities Metro Area. Residents in other parts of the state may be better off waiting until the pest is found closer to them.

IF YOU DO IT YOURSELF, READ AND FOLLOW THE PRODUCT LABEL. Minnesota law requires anyone using a pesticide, whether the applicator is a homeowner or a commercial applicator, to read and carefully follow the label instructions and advisories.

PICK A REPUTABLE COMPANY. In some states, the arrival of emerald ash borer was followed quickly by another kind of pest—one that tied to scam homeowners into paying for unnecessary tree treatment or removal. Consider hiring a locally based firm with a certified arborist on staff.

DON'T DUMP THE ASH BEFORE ITS TIME. Generally it is not necessary to remove a healthy ash tree.

CAREFUL WITH THOSE TRIMMINGS. Homeowners who trim their ash trees this summer should give careful thought to what they will do with the branches and limbs. After all, emerald ash borer larvae can hide inside branches no thicker than our thumb. If your ash tree is infested and you move the infested branches to a different location, you may be helping the ash borer find new victims.

For the latest information about the fight against emerald ash borer, homeowners may visit MDA"s website at www.mda.state. mn.us or call the MDA's Arrest the Pest Hotline, at 651-201-6684 toll free 1-888- 545-6684.