Vespula and paper wasp

Vespula and paper wasps are black and yellow social insects. They prey on invertebrates and compete with native birds as well as having a sting that can harm humans.

Description

• Vespula wasps have black and yellow heads and bodies.
• Paper wasps are black and yellow, have thinner abdomens than Vespula wasps, and fly with their legs hanging down.
• They are social insects that build nests out of fibre.
• Dispersed by flight and nests on contaminated vehicles, machinery and products.
• Habitats include forests, shrublands, pastures, coastal areas, wetlands, and urban areas.

What you need to know

Preys on range of invertebrates, competes with native birds and invertebrates for honeydew. Aggressive stinging behaviours pose risk to human health. Attacks livestock, farm and forestry workers, and robs beehives of honey.

Management approach

Community Led

These organisms have not been legally declared as pests but may be of interest to the public as they occur regularly in the environment. They may be capable of causing adverse effects to the values of Waitaha/Canterbury.

Control

Chemical control

No qualifications: For individual nests, identify the nest location and place a spoonful of appropriate insecticide near the nest entrance after dark when the wasps have stopped flying. The wasps will spread the insecticide throughout the nest and may kill the colony within one day. Repeat the treatment if colony activity continues.

Contact local insecticide suppliers or hardware stores for appropriate products.

For large areas use wasp-specific baits containing the insecticide, fipronil. This does not affect bees but must be used during the time of year wasps are seeking protein. Users must pass an online test prior to purchase so fipronil is safely applied.

Caution: When using any insecticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Alternatively, contact your local pest control contractor for control information.