Parasitic wasps to battle emerald ash borer

An epic battle between wasps and beetles could determinethe survival of Ontario's ash trees.

South Nation Conservation, an agency established under the Conservation Authorities Act of Ontario, is releasing two types of parasitic wasps within controlled areas to combat the destructiveemerald ash borer beetle that's been decimating the ash tree population in the province since 2002.

In an effortto manage theinvasive beetle andpreserve biodiversity, the conservation groupwill release wasps every two weeks atone of its properties along Highway 138 near Moose Creek, Ont., about 70 kilometres east of Ottawa.

The wasps are 1 millimetrein size and harmless to humans, but have a high affinity for the emerald ash borer. One type of the wasp is known to go after the borer's eggs and the other prefers the larvae. Both the wasps and beetle are originally from Asia.

After two years of the bugs duking it out, South Nation Conservation will look at the population of the wasps and beetles. After three years, some ash trees will be cut down to be examined for larvae.

The cost ofdealing with the emerald ash borer could become hefty. The Canadian Forest Service estimates that costs for treatment, removal and replacement of trees affected by the emerald ash borer in all Canadian municipalitiescouldreach $2 billion over a 30-year period.

Experts consider the parasitic wasps to be the the only hope in saving the ash tree from the emerald ash borer. They are being used throughout Ontario and Quebec to combat the invasive and destructive insect.