Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary

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PO Box 186, Picton
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Vespula thieves get the death penalty this summer

2/7/2017

5 Comments

 
Every summer wasps are an unwelcome guest who make picnics at the beach or native bush walks unpleasant and sometimes dangerous for visitors.  These vespula thieves steal food resources from our native birds and insects and in some areas, reduce the honeydew crop by up to 90%.  Wasps eat a wide range of invertebrates including spiders, caterpillars, ants, bees and flies, and may predate some native invertebrates to the point of population collapse.  In New Zealand beech forests, the total biomass of wasps is thought to be more than that of native birds, with an average of 12 nests or 10,000 wasps per hectare. 
At Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, wasps gather near the water ponds and feed on honeydew collected from beech trees. In the past, each nest has been dealt with on discovery but this year we are aiming to remove over 90% of all wasps using Vespex.  This highly effective wasp bait targets common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and German wasp (V. germanica) when they are feeding on protein.  The bait is collected by individual wasps and taken back to their nests where the slow acting insecticide is shared throughout the colony.  It does not target bees and has a low toxicity to mammals and birds, in fact the active ingredient is commonly found in flea treatments.
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ABOVE: Wasps feeding on Vespex bait
BELOW: Bait being placed in a yellow bait station
​Image source: Vespex website
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​We know that Vespex will be extremely effective on the Sanctuary but we want to aim bigger… we want to get rid of wasps from the whole of Picton and Waikawa.  By targeting a larger area, it will reduce reinvasion of wasps onto the Sanctuary but it will also benefit the wildlife around Picton and Waikawa, and it will make fish and chips on the foreshore much more enjoyable.
To achieve large-scale wasp control, we need help.  Once testing shows the right level of wasp numbers, 520 bait stations will need to be placed across Picton and Waikawa including The Wedge, Victoria Domain, Essons Valley and urban areas.  We are looking for people who are keen to help with this process but we are also looking for people who would like to host a bait station in their own backyard.  The map below gives an indication of where bait stations are likely to be placed, if you would like to help please give us a call.
The total cost of this control programme will be around $3,500 and we believe that this is an achievable figure.  We have already received a donation from The Veronica Trust but every little bit helps.  If you would like to donate funds to help us achieve a wasp free Picton/Waikawa then please contact us.
For more information about Vespex visit their website.
Host a bait station
Become a volunteer
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5 Comments
David Evans
2/7/2017 03:22:12 pm

Hi, I live at 3 Webster Place and am keen to have a trap.
Regards
David
021415405

Reply
Rachel @ Kaipupu
2/7/2017 04:12:28 pm

Hi David, I have put you on our list of hosts. I will be in touch with more information soon. In the meantime if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Reply
Pauline Clapp
10/17/2017 09:33:25 pm

Hi we live at 257A Waikawa Road and would be keen to host a bait station on our property.
Regards Pauline Clapp

Reply
Bug control company link
10/26/2020 09:22:46 pm

The title is hilarious. These bugs will surely be gone. I found an article about why wasps are considered pests in NZ it was interesting read too. It is just that they are found in various public places which is dangerous for people. Getting rid of them for sure needs a professional service, good job!

Reply
pest controlling link
1/6/2021 10:02:26 pm

Didn't knew that there could be a wasp invasion, but as dangerous as them, they still have a function in the eco system. But controlling them would be an option specially if it already disturbs the peaceful life of the community.

Reply



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    About the Sanctuary

    Established in 2005, Kaipupu Point Sounds Wildlife Sanctuary is the closest sanctuary to Picton.  Protected by a pest resistant fence, Kaipupu Point is a safe haven to many native plant and animal species.

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