34 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Pest Animal Management Plan | Wharekirauponga Compensation Package | 30 May 2022 9.0 Wasp control German and Common wasps (Vespula germanica, Vespula vulgaris) have established in immense numbers across New Zealand since their introduction in the 1900s, resulting in New Zealand now having the highest density of wasps in the world (Barlow & Goldson, 2002). In previous years the wasp population and density of nests within the Wharekirauponga has been considerably noticeable and they are likely having a negative impact on the Wharekirauponga forest ecosystem. They are also a significant H&S risk for people working on site. Wasps outcompete a range of birds, lizards and invertebrates that also feed on honeydew and in some cases have been indicated to cause a decline in abundance of several bird species as a result (Beggs, 2001). Although the potential effects of wasps on native anuran communities is not documented, wasps may be a significant threat to Leiopelma species. 9.1 Methods Control of wasps is limited to poisoning nests, toxic baiting and biological control (Potter-Craven et al., 2018). For large-scale operations, sustained control toxic baiting is most effective. Fipronil (Vespex) is highly effective at reducing wasp numbers while having low non-target species risks and is endorsed by DOC. For small-scale and direct control upon locating a nest, powdered insecticides containing permethrin (e.g. NO Wasps Eliminator) applied at the entrance of the nest is used to exterminate a nest. Vespex bait for large-scale control is used with Wasptek bait stations, specialised for wasps which are attached to a tree at least 70 cm above the ground (Fig. 2). The bait is left out for 3 - 8 days and then removed. One treatment of Vespex has shown to reduce wasp numbers by 80% within 100m of the control line in an area with over 5 nests per hectare (Harper et al., 2016). Previous research in beech forests of the South Island has indicated that wasp numbers should be reduced by at least 85% for adequate protection of invertebrate populations (Beggs & Rees, 1999; Toft & Rees, 1998). Consequently, an aim to reduce at least 85% of the wasp numbers within the Wharekirauponga animal pest management area is expected to support invertebrate populations and the other native fauna populations. Fig. 2. Application of Vespex wasp bait in Wasptek bait stations.
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