30 July 2009

Long live the queens

30 July 2009 | Pesty

We are now well into winter, and by rights there should be no European wasps buzzing around our community as the nest normally die out except for the queens which are hibernating.

However, a very few will be over wintering, which means a new season quean has taken over the nest and kept it going. It’s a complicated subject, but basically these nests are of much scientific interest.

If you have a nest near you, on private or public land please let me know and it will be collected by Dr Spradbery of the ACT European wasp and insect identification help line, or if this is not possible, I will exterminate it for free until end of October.

These nests contain queens desperately needed for on-going experiments to find a method of biological control to stop their spread. European wasp hotline is 6162 1914.

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Pesty6:41 am 31 Jul 09

rosebud said :

Pesty – I think there may be some out at the National Equestrian Centre which is past the Stromlo observatory. At least I THINK so, not being an entomologist or even remotely clued up! It’s the annoying factor that gives the E.W away!

If you can find it, let me know. or call 61621914

Pesty6:40 am 31 Jul 09

ant said :

I hope they can find a control for these things (insert a dodgy gene or something). These wasps have invaded our area very effectively. I’ve even seen a few out here in NSW and have no idea where they’re living, in old logs maybe (there’s lots), or rabbit holes.

that’s the general idea except its more about isolating a certain chemical I believe rather than a gene. i wish i was clever enough to fully understand LOL

Pesty6:37 am 31 Jul 09

Pandy said :

Had to remove one nest from the rental property: $170

ouch! more than double my charge.

Pandy10:28 pm 30 Jul 09

Had to remove one nest from the rental property: $170

ant9:43 pm 30 Jul 09

I hope they can find a control for these things (insert a dodgy gene or something). These wasps have invaded our area very effectively. I’ve even seen a few out here in NSW and have no idea where they’re living, in old logs maybe (there’s lots), or rabbit holes.

kevn10:39 am 30 Jul 09

Unfortunately it seems Dr Phil has to man the phones as well as do the research. They are in no position to help you find the wasps (no slight on Dr Spradberry). The ACT government needs to increase the resources for this service if there is any chance of limiting these buggers.

One nest can put out like 50 queens in a season or something?

There was one very close to my house this year, on a reserve, but I had no hope of finding it. 🙁

rosebud9:51 am 30 Jul 09

Pesty – I think there may be some out at the National Equestrian Centre which is past the Stromlo observatory. At least I THINK so, not being an entomologist or even remotely clued up! It’s the annoying factor that gives the E.W away!

harley9:50 am 30 Jul 09

How do I find the nest? We border a public reserve and oval, a large grove of Eucalypts outside our door (maybe 3 or 4 house blocks worth), and many native and European trees within our neighbourhood.

We are plagued by the damn things over summer – got so bad this year we only ate tea outside on a handful of occasions.

If I could find the buggers, I’d report them, but I can’t see an obvious nest anywhere, and I’ve never been able to see an obvious direction they come from, or return to…

Skidbladnir9:48 am 30 Jul 09

Old photo, but shows the extent that yellowjacket\european wasp nests can grow to if left alone for a few seasons.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/08nF6tzcAudU6

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