Roundworms to the rescue

The Vancouver park board hopes a microscopic champion will win the fight against a pest that’s chewing through the city’s grass sports fields. Starting this week, biologists will treat 31 sports fields with nematodes, microscopic roundworms that kill the grubs of the European chafer beetle. Eggs laid by the beetle develop into tiny grubs that feed on the roots of grasses. Birds, skunks and other predators tear up the turf in search of the tasty morsels.