Article posted: 9/30/2011 5:00 AM

Lake County uses wasps to combat emerald ash borer

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Restoration ecologist Matt Ueltzen of the Lake County Forest Preserve District releases predator wasps on ash trees Thursday in an area off the Des Plaines River Trail near Wadsworth Thursday.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Restoration ecologist Matt Ueltzen and forestry crew chief Mark Speckan of the Lake County Preserve District release two species of wasps on ash trees Thursday at the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve near Wadsworth as part of plan to combat the emerald ash borer.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

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Spathius agrili is a species of wasp the Lake County Forest Preserve District hopes will check the spread of the emerald ash borer.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

This ash tree off the Des Plaines River Trail near Wadsworth was killed by the emerald ash borer. The destructive beetle has been identified in about 200 communities in Illinois.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Restoration ecologist Matt Ueltzan of the Lake County Forest Preserve District shows tunnels made by emerald ash borer larvae. The district has released predator wasps to combat the destructive pests.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

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Wearing waders to navigate what had become a swampy target area, staff of the Lake County Forest Preserve District coaxed nearly 1,000 tiny predator wasps out of plastic cups and onto a dozen trees infected with the emerald ash borer. “It was a successful release,” declared Matt Ueltzen, restoration ecologist. “Whether they'll be successful remains to be seen.”

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