Stingless Wasps Possible Method to Battle Emerald Ash Borer

Earlier this month, the state Department of Natural Resources announced it would utilize a variety of small, stingless wasps to manage the increasingly destructive population of emerald ash borer beetles in the area.

For now, the strategy will be restricted to the Riveredge Nature Center near Newburg, but future implementation in Oak Creek is a possibility.

The DNR plans to release three species of stingless wasp, two in May and one later in the summer, according to a May 5 press release.

The wasps, which are smaller than a grain of rice, are a predator of the emerald ash borer in their native China. The wasps' introduction to the area essentially serves to even the playing field, providing some competition for a beetle which has none in the United States.

Even though the DNR assures the wasps will likely go unnoticed by everyone but the emerald ash borer, they're still an additional invasive species for southeastern Wisconsin, which already has many.

"EAB is very aggressive and something would basically have to be more aggressive than EAB," Oak Creek City Forester Rebecca Lane said. "Who knows how the population of wasps will build in the wild and what percentage of EAB the wasps could destroy."

Despite these concerns, the DNR remains optimistic about the plan's ability to yield positive results. If successful, the project could spread to other heavily-infested areas in the state, including Oak Creek and neighboring Franklin.

Oak Creek and recently approved an ordinance  to force a private property owner to remove an infested ash tree.

The Oak Creek Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department will continue to remain current on all forms of control for the emerald ash borer, Lane said.

"I think we’d be open to wasp introduction in Oak Creek," she said. "It would be something to discuss beforehand, no doubt."