Scientists have been able to successfully map the DNA of a group of wasps, revealing findings which could act as cues to create more natural ways to control insects, and these have also given some insight into how human genes work.

A team of international scientists mapped the genome of mainly 3 species the Nasonia wasp, a development which has thrown some light on the insect's unique behavior. These wasps are basically parasites, and they paralyze and lay eggs in the larva of other insects like flies.

Once the eggs are hatched, the wasps eat their way put of the larva, thereby killing it, which helps keep the insect population of the host insect low.

With this unusual method of reproduction, experts of the opinion that wasps can be programmed to attack specific insect species, a task which seems more possible now that the genes have been mapped.

"They are potentially useful organisms for agriculture and horticulture if you can tailor them to your specific needs, to attack specific insects", said Professor Ryszard Maleszka from the Australian National University.

Details of the study have been published in the journal Science.