Time to wipe out wasps

Communities across the Nelson-Tasman region are being encouraged to join in the battle against wasps.

The Wasp Wipeout project, launched this week, aims to significantly reduce German and common wasp numbers in popular conservation and urban areas.

Wasp Wipeout is a collaborative project between the Nelson Mail and Leaders, the Department of Conservation, Tasman Environmental Trust and the Nelson-Tasman community.

Nelson regional editor Victoria Guild said Wasp Wipeout provided opportunities for people to make a difference to the environment and their quality of life.

‘‘To be able to target one pest at one time and give it a really good, hard shot – that’s where we can make a difference,’’ she said.

Wasp Wipeout is targeting the German wasp (Vespula germanica) and common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) – invasive species that are causing widespread devastation to New Zealand’s native species, environment, and people.

The Nelson-Tasman region has been described as the ‘‘wasp capital’’ of New Zealand.

Friends of Rotoiti founding member Bryce Buckland has been involved in wasp control for about 16 years.

These wasps are also known to kill and eat native birds and bats – even road kill. If disturbed, they can attack people, delivering multiple, venomous stings that can cause potentially deadly allergic reactions.

‘‘The most hated pest in the country,’’ Buckland says of wasps. ‘‘Nobody has a good thing to say about them.’’

There are three ways to get involved with the Wasp Wipeout project. You can contribute money to support existing wasp control operations and, potentially, start new ones. These are coordinated by DOC with the help of volunteers. You can register interest in specific projects, or take the DIY approach with your own wasp control operation in your community, street, or backyard.

The wasp control method used by conservation groups and approved for public use is the protein-based bait, Vespex, developed here in Nelson.

Refer to the graphic for further information.