The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has launched its 2023-24 European wasp surveillance program and is encouraging the WA community to be alert for the pest as the weather warms.
Considered one of the world’s worst insect pests, the European wasp is a declared pest in WA due to its potential to impact our health and outdoor lifestyle, agricultural industries and the environment.
European wasp program manager Kris Armstrong said last year’s program resulted in 21 nests being found and destroyed with the help of residents, local government and community groups, preventing the potential breeding of hundreds of thousands of wasps.
“All nests were discovered in six Local Government Areas across 11 suburbs, of which 86 per cent were located underground,” Mr Armstrong said.
“Last season we began regional trapping with about 20 traps deployed in Geraldton, Albany, Bunbury and in the Eucla area and we are looking at doubling that number this year.
“Help from the public in keeping watch for these pests is vital, and we ask existing adopt-a-trap participants to deploy their traps now.”
European wasps look similar to yellow paper wasps but are distinguished by completely black antennae and shorter legs, which they tuck up under their body when they fly.
Mr Armstrong said wasps scavenging on pet food, meat, fish or dead animals is a tell-tale sign.
Traditional hotspots for wasps include the main freight areas into WA and industrial areas where freight is transported to including Belmont, Welshpool, Osborne Park, Stirling, Cockburn, Canning, Kenwick, Gosnells and Kewdale, while there will be an increased surveillance presence in the Bibra Lake area and surrounds this year.
In the Perth Hills, hotspots include areas of Banyowla Regional Park, Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, Korung National Park, the Victoria Reservoir and Canning River Regional Park.
To participate in the adopt-a-trap program and find out more information and sign-up on the department's website, agric.wa.gov.au/european-wasp/european-wasp-adopt-trap-initiative
Reports of suspect European wasp sightings can be made via the department’s MyPestGuide Reporter appTM, or by contacting the Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) via email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au or call 9368 3080.
