A field study on the control of European wasp Vespula germanica (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and paper wasp Polistes sp. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) using a novel aqueous powder formulation

Abstract:
European Wasp, Vespula germanica (F.), was first noted in Tasmania in 1959, and in Victoria in 1977. It is now widespread over the cooler and wetter areas of the southern part of Australia. The Australian winters are mild, and whole nests can overwinter leading to high wasp populations in some places. Early attempts at eradication have been abandoned, and nests are controlled when they cause a problem. The object of this study was to investigate the activity of Sorsec Wasp Nest Killer. This is a new formulation technology known as an APT or Aqueous Powder Technology. It is well suited to wasp control because it is free flowing, even in damp conditions, and has the potential for good nest penetration and quick knockdown. The trial on European wasps was carried out in Ararat, Victoria, Australia. Twelve nests were located, and a pre-treatment count of the number of wasps entering and leaving each nest in a period of one minute, was made. Five nests were treated with Sorsec Wasp Killer (A.I. 4.0g / Kg d-phenothrin), and five were treated with Coopex insecticidal dust (A.I.10g / Kg permethrin). Two nests acted as controls, and were not treated. Post treatment counts were made 1 hour and 24 hours after treatment. In addition, at 24 hours, the treated nests were excavated, and wasp activity noted. A similar study was carried out on Paper wasp, Polistes sp. in Sydney NSW, Australia. Both products gave greater than 98% reduction of both Paper and European wasp activity around the nest after 1 hour, and 100% after 24 h. Control nests remained active throughout the trial period. There were only moribund or dead adults in the European wasps nests, which were excavated, and the nests were effectively killed. Similarly for Paper wasp, there was no adult activity in the nest, and any emerging adults were moribund. The Sorsec Wasp Nest Killer gave excellent results for both European and Paper wasp, in terms of both stopping wasp activity and killing the wasp nest.