An invasive pest wasp caught in a surveillance trap has led to the discovery of a European wasp nest in the Webberton industrial suburb of Geraldton.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) deployed more than 3,000 surveillance traps throughout the Perth metropolitan area and at targeted regional areas in November as part of the annual European wasp campaign.
The wasp was found in a surveillance trap near a local pet meat processing facility in Geraldton with DPIRD officers locating and destroying the nest nearby.
European wasp program coordinator Kris Armstrong said DPIRD officers had completed the work to treat and remove the nest which was found underground.
“Our officers have now placed additional surveillance traps in the area to ensure there are no other nests nearby,” Mr Armstrong said.
“We are also asking residents in Geraldton and surrounding areas, particularly in the Webberton industrial area, to be vigilant and look out for the pest wasp.
“These wasps forage for human food and drink, as well as pet food – causing a nuisance and a health concern to people and pets, and their behaviour can be very aggressive.”
The last time European wasps were found in Geraldton was in the 2002/03 surveillance season when a nest was removed from West End near the port.
The European wasp is a declared pest in WA due to its potential to impact our outdoor lifestyle, agricultural industries and the environment.
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 Western Australia was the only place in the world left within the European wasp biogeographical range that has prevented this pest from establishing.
“The success of our surveillance and eradication program to date has been a combined effort with vital assistance provided by the public in keeping watch for these pests,” he said.
Statistics, identification information and general knowledge on European wasps is available on the DPIRD website.
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.
