Carbohydrate bait preferences of wasps (Vespula vulgarisandV. germanica) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in New Zealand

Abstract

Carbohydrates are both a source of food and a potential bait for control of common and German wasps. Carbohydrate preferences of wasps were determined in a series of paired trials by counting the number of wasps caught in traps baited with carbohydrate-based baits versus a standard proteinbased bait. Factors influencing wasp attraction to carbohydrate-based baits included bait type, season, weather, and location. A 30% sucrose solution was more attractive than honey, jams, gels, or dry (solid) sugars. The sucrose solution was more attractive in spring and autumn than in summer, probably because rainfall washed away natural carbohydrate supplies. There was a significant relationship between rainfall in the previous week and the proportion of wasps caught in traps baited with sucrose solution versus sardine cat-food. A higher proportion of German wasps than common wasps was caught in sucrose-baited traps. This may have been related to seasonal differences in abundance and/or behavioural differences between the two species. In some locations, more wasps were caught in traps baited with sucrose solution than in those baited with sardine cat-food. The proportion of wasps caught in sucrose-baited traps was higher in locations without beech scale honeydew than with beech scale honeydew. Proportionally more non-target species (mainly honey bees) and fewer wasps were caught in traps baited with sucrose solution than in those baited with sardine cat-food. All five bee repellents tested also repelled wasps. These results indicate the importance of determining the bait preferences of wasps (carbohydrate or protein) and the presence of non-target species before attempting a poison-baiting Received 12 September 1995; accepted 22 December 1995 operation. They also emphasise the need for a waspspecific carbohydrate-based bait.

SELECTIVE ATTRACTION OF Vespula germánica (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) TO FEEDING BAITS ENHANCED WITH ISOBUTANOL AND ACETIC ACID

“…The addition of chemicals (AAIB) caused less honeybee captures when mixed with the sugary food bait (again, just the opposite of yellowjacket captures) maybe because the chemicals acted as a repellent mixture, or because they affected the olfactory receptors or disrupted foraging A. mellifera before they reached the trap. Similar results have been published by Spurr (1996), who found that carbohydrates (including jam and condensed milk but not mixed with AAIB) were highly attractive for A. mellifera. These results may have been influenced by the vicinity of two apiaries.…”

Essential oils and their compositions as spatial repellents for pestiferous social wasps

“…Management strategies for pestiferous social wasps have focused on poison baits to reduce or eliminate wasps and their nests, and on chemical or food attractants to trap foraging workers or queens . Combinations of pesticides and meats have been used to control the western yellowjacket, Vespula pensylvanica (Saussure), the common yellowjacket, V. vulgaris (L.), and the German yellowjacket, V. germanica (F.) . Although protein‐based poison baits have shown efficacy, they are not extensively used because of their expense, their short‐term attractiveness and various adverse effects on non‐target species and the environment.…”

Polistesspp. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) Orientation to Wine and Vinegar

“…Mitigation of social wasp numbers and pest status can sometimes be achieved with poison baits (Chang 1988;Hanna et al 2012) or lures for traps that are based on food materials (Dvorak & Landolt 2006;Ross et al 1984;Silveira et al 2005;Spurr 1995Spurr , 1996 or chemical attractants (Davis et al 1969(Davis et al , 1973Landolt 1998). However, there are no demonstrated food baits or chemical attractants that might be used to trap most paper wasps.…”