MADAWASKA — The Maine Forest Service is going to deploy wasps to help beat back an invasive pest species that can do damage to trees in the state.
The service says the tiny, non-stinging wasps will be released on Thursday to help control the emerald ash borer infestation in the state.
It says the wasps feed in or on the borers by attacking their larvae under the bark of trees and parasitizing eggs on the surface of bark.
The wasps will be released in Aroostook County in far northern Maine. The forest service says three species of wasps are being used in the pest control effort.
The borer was located in Aroostook and York counties, at opposite ends of the very forested state, in 2018.
The Cerceris fumipennis wasp was found nesting at a Freeport baseball field in 2011. John Ewing/Associated Press
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.