Message from Pest Free Piha
Kia ora everybody,
We are out to get wasps this summer and we need your help! Last year, Pest free Piha ran a successful wasp eradication pilot in Te Ahuahu Rd, reducing wasp numbers there by an estimated 70%. This year we want to offer the programme in each road in Piha.
We are aiming for at least an 85% success rate with these troublesome pests which are dangerous for some of us, and a significant predator of native birds and insects. At very least, they can spoil a good BBQ.
We will be using a protein-based bait called Vespex, developed in Nelson, which is currently the most effective method of controlling German and common wasps (it does not control paper wasps). Vespex is deployed in bait stations at a specific time — usually around late February to mid March – once the wasps have switched to a protein diet. The wasps take the bait back to the colony and the nest is usually wiped out overnight.
The protein bait is targeted at wasps and is not attractive to bees which are only interested in sugar. It is also of very low risk to birds, pets and people.
We will cover all the costs, including bait stations, bait and the necessary on-line training – we just need your time and enthusiasm.
Contact us if you would be willing to have a bait station on your property for a period of around 5 days. After this, they will be removed or left in place for the following year. We are also keen to hear from anyone willing to undertake the online training (1 hour) and coordinate distribution in their road. For more information, email pestfreepiha@gmail.com or ring Peter Hosking on 021660275