Predatory Wasp for EAB

In this picture from the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, a Cerceris fumipennis wasp is shown with it's prey, an Emerald Ash Borer. The wasp will take the prey back to the ground hive for food for the hive. The University of Guelph in Ontario Canada has been studying the wasps and have determined that they are an excellent tool in the early detection of the beetle. Researchers placed hives near suspected areas of infestation and monitored the wasps, intercepting them as they returned to the hive to discover whether or not they returned with the beetle as well as how long it took. The wasps found the beetle very quickly if it was present in the area. This wasp may replace the purple sticky traps that have been used to monitor EAB's progress and help with early detection.