The efficacy of Vespex® wasp bait to control Vespula species (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in New Zealand

Transitioning from trials to pest control tool, the efficacy of controlling wasps Vespula vulgaris and V. germanica using Vespex (R) wasp bait was tested in 2015. Vespex (R) is a protein-based bait matrix with 0.1% fipronil. Five sites ranging <300 to >2000ha and over 5500ha in total had bait stations placed 300x50m apart and received one application of Vespex (R). Wasp nest traffic rates declined 93% in four days at one site, and over 97% after 20-38days at all other sites. Measured honeydew availability also improved post wasp control. Further demonstrating feasibility, five different agencies worked closely with government leading many programme aspects. Vespex (R) was made more widely available in New Zealand towards the end of 2015. Web page information showed approximate to 30% of all territorial authorities nationally are engaging in pest wasp problems. This signals a future potential in the way that pest wasps might be managed in a community context for social, economic and biodiversity conservation objectives.