Posted: May 26, 2016 1:01 am
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36382647
B.B.C. Article
Millions of tiny, parasitic wasps have been deployed across 24 US states in an effort to stop the spread of the tree-killing emerald ash borer.
The beetle has killed about 38 million ash trees, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The USDA approved the release of four species of wasps, which lay eggs inside the ash borer larvae and prevent them from developing into adult beetles.
The treatment and removal of the affected trees costs up to $25bn.
The wasp program is not likely to save any current trees, but is aimed at preventing the ash borer from decimating future tree populations, according to entomologist Ben Slager.
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