FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 25, 2011

CONTACT:
Liz Erickson, Communications Coordinator
763-219-9386, Liz.erickson@state.mn.us

MDA introducing natural ally in Twin Cities’ fight against emerald ash borer

ST. PAUL, Minn. – As part of the ongoing effort to slow the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB), the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will soon introduce tiny, stingless wasps as biological control in several locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Biological control, or biocontrol, is a pest control strategy that pairs an invasive pest with natural enemies that restrict the pest in its native range.  MDA will release two kinds of tiny, stingless wasps approved for use as biocontrol by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Biocontrol organisms such as these wasps are used only after extensive testing confirms they will not harm people or impact non-target species or the environment.  Last fall, MDA introduced the same species of wasps in Houston County to control an EAB infestation there.

The five metro release sites will include Langford Park in St. Paul, as well as Tower Hill Park, two sites along East River Parkway, and one site along West River Parkway in Minneapolis.  

Two open houses are scheduled for the neighborhoods close to the release sites.  The Minneapolis open house will be held at the Luxton Recreation Center on June 2 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., while St. Paul’s open house will be held at the South St. Anthony Recreation Center on June 6 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  The media will be invited to the release at Langford Park the week of June 6, but the exact date is yet to be determined due to weather considerations.

According to MDA Biological Control Program Coordinator Monika Chandler, the goal of the wasp release is to introduce a natural pest control tool that can reduce EAB damage and move with EAB as it spreads to new areas.  The stingless wasps will be used alongside other management options to control EAB.

“Emerald ash borer is native to Asia and it doesn’t have a lot of natural enemies here to keep its numbers in check,” Chandler said.  “These wasps kill ash borer eggs and larvae in Asia, and have been established in limited introductions in other EAB-infested states.”

Minnesota has confirmed EAB infestations in Hennepin, Ramsey and Houston Counties.  EAB larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on and disrupting the flow of nutrients.  Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed millions of ash trees in 15 states.  The metallic-green adult beetles are a half inch long, and are active from May to September.  Signs of infestation include increased woodpecker activity, one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in ash bark and serpentine tunnels under the bark. 

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