IntroductionPredator-prey relationships are complex interactions involving many factors that can influence the stability of each species population. One such relationship that has attracted interest in recent years is avian insectivores and their relationships with the different insect species they consume. Widespread outbreaks of pine beetles in the Southeast, emerald ash borers in the upper Midwest, and bark beetles in the Pacific Northwest are killing various tree species in forests, including pines and ash. Although some of these insect infestations can be controlled with pesticides, the introduction of such pesticides into old-growth forests could potentially harm the health of the forests and their use is therefore not a preferred method of control. As a result, researchers are looking for a biological control agent capable of containing the spread of these parasites. One such control agent that is of interest to many researchers includes avian insectivores. Often, species of woodpeckers, warblers, and nuthatches occupy the same habitat as these infected trees and, as generalist species, consume these insect larvae. Research in this area has focused on three key areas. The first is to examine the relationship between insectivorous birds and non-native prey. The second is whether avian species can serve as a biocontrol to slow or prevent the spread of an insect infestation, thereby affecting other species in the community. Finally, it is important to determine which methods are most important in managing these habitats. This brief literature review will show what research has shown regarding each of these questions, including a discussion of gaps and criticisms in the literature. Pairwise ...... middle of article ...... assessing the impact of woodpecker predation on population dynamics of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). PloS one 8(12):e83491. Koenig, WD, AM Liebhold, DN Bonter, WM Hochachka, and JL Dickinson. 2013. Effects of emerald ash borer invasion on four bird species. Bird Invasions 15:2095-2103. Lindell, CA, DG McCullough, D. Cappaert, NM Apostolou, and MB Roth. 2008. Factors influencing woodpecker predation on the emerald ash borer. The Midland American Naturalist. 159:434-444. Marquis, RJ and CJ Whelan. 1994. Insectivorous birds increase white oak growth through consumption of leaf-chewing insects. Ecology 75: 2007-2014. Haack, RA, Jendek, E., Liu, H., Marchant, KR, Petrice, TR, Poland, TM, and Ye, H. (2002). The emerald ash borer: a new exotic pest in North America. Bulletin of the Michigan Entomological Society 47(3-4):1-5.