Questions and Answers: 

Release and Recovery of Biological 

Control for Emerald Ash Borer 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and our partners 

release tiny stingless wasps as biological control agents 

to help manage emerald ash borer (EAB) populations 

in infested areas. This includes trapping to see if 

the wasps have established themselves in these areas. 

Biocontrol partners should follow the EAB Biological 

Control Release and Recovery Guidelines at

www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/eab. 

The following is a quick reference for biocontrol partners 

on key aspects of this work.

Release Timing

When and how do I get the wasps?

Once we approve your release site, track the degree 

days to determine the best time for releasing wasps. 

Degree days are the number of sequential days that 

temperatures are high enough for EAB life cycle stages 

in your area. You can find degree days in the EAB 

interactive map at www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/maps/

plant-health/eab-map. 

As your area approaches the appropriate degree days, 

communication will begin between us for when the wasps 

will be shipped. We typically begin shipping wasps to 

partners in early May to start the release season. The 

wasps are shipped by overnight delivery in a cardboard 

box and should arrive by 10:30 a.m. at most locations. 

When do I release them?

You should release all wasps the same day you receive 

them. If needed, you can store the shipment in a cool 

place out of the sun for 1 extra day with little impact to 

the wasps. 

If you won’t be able to release the wasps on the same 

day they arrive, arrange for a different shipping date 

by calling 1-810-844-2708. 

If you need to release the wasps at different times 

than those in the guidelines, contact us at 

eab.biocontrol.program@usda.gov. 

Data Management

Where do I report my data?

We use an online database called MapBioControl. It 

stores detailed information on where wasps are 

released and recovered, including when, how, under 

what conditions, and how many. There is also a 

MapBioControl app currently available for iPads and 

iPhones that can be synchronized to the website. 

How can I access MapBioControl?

To access the database, visit www.mapbiocontrol.org

and click on any tab to create an account. 

If you have questions about MapBioControl, send an 

email to info@asets.msu.edu. 

Do I need to enter both release and recovery data?

Yes. You must enter both the release and recovery data 

into MapBioControl. Please also enter data for trapping 

locations where wasps were not recovered. This 

information helps us monitor and evaluate the 

establishment of wasps and their impact on EAB 

populations throughout the United States. 

When do I need to enter the data?

You must enter release data into MapBioControl within 

48 hours of releasing wasps. Recovery data should be 

entered as soon as possible after trapping. 

Having timely, accurate data is a critical to the success 

of our biological control work. It tells us where releases 

and establishments are happening so we can best target 

our efforts.

Biocontrol delivery container
Recovery Trapping

How often do I conduct recovery trapping work?

You must do recovery trapping in at least one release 

site per county for 2 years. If you don’t recover anything 

during that time, consider additional release or recovery 

efforts.

What do I do with the recovery samples? 

First, process or sort the specimens found in recovery 

samples at your location. You can find more information 

on the trapping process and species identification in the 

guidelines. Then, send any suspect biocontrol agents that 

resemble the released wasps to APHIS for identification: 

USDA APHIS

Attention: Juli Gould

1398 West Truck Road

Buzzards Bay, MA 02542 

If you have questions, call APHIS Entomologist Juli Gould 

at 508-563-0923. If you need adult parasitoid samples 

to help with sample identification, email us at 

eab.biocontrol.program@usda.gov. 

For More Information

What if I need to speak to someone urgently?

Please call the Release Coordinator, Scott Whitehead, 

at 810-844-2708 or the Facility Manager, Ben Slager, 

at 810-844-2704.

Mention of companies or commercial products does not imply 

recommendation or endorsement by USDA over others

not mentioned. USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of 

any product mentioned. Product names are mentioned solely to report 

factually on available data and to provide specific information.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

APHIS 81-35-038 | Issued March 2021