State to use stingless wasps to combat emerald ash borer

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will soon introduce tiny, stingless wasps in the Twin Cities as a biological control agent for emerald ash borer.

The same species of wasps were introduced in Houston County last fall. The Ag Department says it has been tested to make sure it won't harm people or impact non-target species or the environment. The wasps kill ash borer eggs and larvae.

Emerald ash borer larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and disrupting the flow of nutrients. The pest has killed millions of ash trees in 15 states.

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

Neighbors are invited to open houses at the Luxton Recreation Center on June 2 and the South St. Anthony Recreation Center on June 6 to learn more.