Biosecurity officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) spent the past nine months surveying more than 98 000 hectares and deploying more than 3000 traps throughout Perth and regional WA to target this pest.
The surveillance program, which ran from late October 2021 through to June 2022, is an important part of the department’s biosecurity activities to protect Western Australians and their animals from this nasty pest, as well as the State’s valuable agriculture industries and the environment.
European wasp program manager John Van Schagen said the 53 nests were found in 24 different suburbs of Perth.
“Although the number of nests detected were up from last year, a relatively low total of 53 nests were found,” he said.
“Our biosecurity officers located more than 90 per cent of these which were underground, however four nests were also discovered in tree hollows.”
Mr Van Schagen said the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) received more than 400 public enquiries relating to European wasp which led to 12 positive nest detections.
“DPIRD’s Adopt-a-trap program received 174 new subscribers, which was a huge boost to European wasp surveillance and significantly enhanced the department’s ability to effectively eliminate this pest,” he said.
“Additional resourcing, collaboration with local government and the community, along with strong community reporting, have combined to produce this great result.”
European wasp has become established in the eastern states and DPIRD is making every effort to prevent that happening in WA.
“Early detection is key to an effective response to protect our primary industries and environment from this destructive pest and to safeguard our enviable outdoor lifestyle,” Mr Van Schagen said.
European wasps look similar to yellow paper wasps but are distinguished by their completely black antennae and shorter legs, which they tuck up under their body when they fly.
Reports of suspect European wasp sightings can be made via the department’s MyPestGuide Reporter app, the website or by contacting the Pest and Disease Information service on 9368 3080 or mailto:padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.
More information about European wasps, DPIRD’s Adopt-a-trap program and maps and statistics for the 2021-22 surveillance season can be found on the department’s website.
Picture caption: European wasp on a fish lure.
