Watch CBS News

Use Of Parasitic Wasps To Fight Ash Borer Grows To 24 States

By DAVID PITT/Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Millions of tiny wasps that are natural parasites for the emerald ash borer have been released into wooded areas in 24 states as the battle against the tree-killing borer is now biological.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has researched and approved for release four species of parasitic wasps that target the larval and egg stages of the ash borer. Government agencies estimate the borer has killed nearly 38 million ash trees in urban and residential areas at a cost of nearly $25 billion.

The wasps, one so small it looks like a pepper flake on a white surface, lay eggs inside borer eggs or larvae preventing them from maturing.

Iowa is the 24th state to have wasps introduced in ash borer infested areas. Texas and Georgia will get them soon

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.