German Wasp
​German Wasps (Vespula germanica) are a significant pest in New Zealand, where they have thrived due to the lack of natural predators and the country’s mild winters. These wasps are highly aggressive and form large colonies, often outcompeting native species for food. They are particularly problematic in forests and urban areas, where they can disrupt local ecosystems by preying on native insects and competing with birds for food. The high density of German Wasps in New Zealand has made them a notable nuisance, impacting not only the environment but also human activities and health.​
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The presence of German Wasps poses a serious threat to honeybees, which are crucial for pollination and agriculture. German Wasps are known to attack beehives, killing bees and stealing honey and larvae. This predatory behaviour can lead to significant losses for beekeepers, with estimates suggesting that wasps destroy or seriously damage 8-9% of honeybee hives in New Zealand each year. The decline in bee populations due to wasp predation exacerbates the challenges faced by bees from other threats, such as pesticides and habitat loss, further endangering their survival and the essential pollination services they provide.
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Traps and bait stations
NoPests and Hawkeye provide products for baiting and luring wasps into traps and bait stations like this that include a liquid suitable for wasps (but not harmful to bees) that they, eat then take back to there hive, and poison the colony. There are also powders that you can spray in the nest if you can find it!
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German Wasp on Hawkeye bait station
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Collated from the following sources:
Pest Management Association New Zealand
Wasp Wasters
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