New Weapon in Emerald Ash Borer Detection Found

A type of wasp has been found to be effective as an early warning device for Emerald Ash Borer infestation.

The partnership of the Morton Arboretum and Illinois Parks and Recreation Association has discovered a new predator in the fight to stop the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Researchers confirmed that Cerceris fumipennis (Cerceris), a native wasp that preys on EAB, was found at Emerson Park in suburban Skokie. Now, researchers hope that the wasp will serve as a sort of “canary in the coal mine,” or an early warning system for EAB infestation, in areas where EAB has not yet been found, said Dr. Frederic Miller, research associate at the arboretum. “By the time humans are able to detect EAB visually, the infestation is usually well-established. We hope this wasp will serve as an effective monitoring tool, giving us an earlier read as EAB makes its …

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