In NZ we have five wasp species that can cause problems: three paper wasp species, two Vespula species.  

First of all, the paper wasps. They are now flying around your garden, where the males settle themselves on easy-to-spot places (“lek sites”) to attract females.  

Yes, autumn time is what it’s all about: fertilise the females, who will hibernate and start new colonies in spring. 

Male paper wasps vying for the attention of females.  

A blast with some fly spray will sort them out quickly and it will also reduce the number of fertilised wasps that over-winter.  

Some paper wasp nests are still in operation as the last-born wasps emerge. The best way to get rid of these nests is by going out on cool evenings in the dark. No muckin’ around, 4 or 5 seconds worth of fly spray is more than enough. If you use a residual insecticide you’ll find that the wasps will not survive a return to their autumnal nest. 

German Wasps and common wasps (Genus Vespula) nest in cavities (hollow trees, wall cavities and hollow trunks of trees, in your ceiling or roof space, etc). Both these two species sting – no sense of humour! 

These wasps are often found eating honeydew in native forests, especially in the South Island. They will also hunt for insects (protein) in your garden (Monarch butterfly caterpillars and other sizeable insects) to feed their young ones in the nest. 

This is what these Vespula nests look like: layered with many cells in which the larvae (juveniles) develop and get fed by the workers… a little bit like bees! 

The nests are constructed from masticated wood fibres, collected during spring and summer; nice and warm, waterproof, and quite environmentally friendly! 

The Vespula species are tricky to control, kill, and remove. It is best left to professional pest controllers, but if you want to have a go yourself here are some tips: 

- Work out where the entrance of the nest is – sometimes there are a few entrances. 

- Get yourself some wasp powder (such as Kiwicare no wasps). 

- Wait till well into the evening (as temperatures go down in autumn). 

- Head-torch on, wasp powder ready. Approach the nest confidently and squirt the powder into the opening – no muckin’ around! 

- Retreat smartly and turn the torch off as soon as you are able when retreating (the wasps cleverly assume that the person with the torch is an invader!). 

- You’ll hear the buzzing noise increase soon after your attack – because the wasps’ wingbeats stir up the powder and they can’t control that dust-like insect killer! 

- Next morning have a careful look to see if there’s anyone still alive. If so, come back again the next cool night 

Oh – yes: DO NOT wear togs! 

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