The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources plans to use a pesticide to try to kill zebra mussels recently found in a lake in Otter Tail County.
DNR biologists surveyed Rose Lake on Wednesday and discovered a small number of juvenile zebra mussels in a small area of the 1,200-acre lake.
The agency suspects the zebra mussels were recently transported to the lake on a boat lift. The mussels' small size suggests they are not at reproductive stage yet.
DNR invasive species unit supervisor Luke Skinner says the early detection means it's possible the agency may be able to kill the pests before they establish a reproducing population.
As early as next week, the DNR plans to apply copper sulfate, a chemical used to control snails that cause swimmer itch.