Comparison of baits containing fipronil and sulfluramid for the control ofVespulawasps

Abstract

Fipronil is a new insecticide being trialed in baits for control of introduced social wasps (Vespula spp.). The efficacy of fipronil was compared with sulfluramid (Finitron® wasp bait). In a laboratory bioassay, fipronil was faster acting and equally as toxic at concentrations over 1000 times lower than sulfluramid. Doses of 0.2 mg of fipronil active (0.2 g of bait when used at 0.1%) were sufficient to reduce colony activity by 90%. Trials in a 300-ha site in beech forest used a single poison operation, without prefeeding, and bait stations in either a 50 × 50 m or 100 × 50 m grid. Use of fipronil reduced colony activity within the treated area by 99.7%, whereas sulfluramid had minimal effect on colony activity. Some foragers reinvaded the treated blocks after treatment with fipronil, but wasp densities remained below estimated ecological damage thresholds for vulnerable invertebrates in this habitat. Baiting in lines resulted in variable control of nearby colonies. Despite the low doses of fipronil needed to kill colonies, low bait attractiveness may limit the success of control operations using fipronil in some situations.

Ecological effects and management of invasive alien Vespidae

“…In regions where no native Vespula species occur, the problem of killing nontarget species is minimised by the timing and method of presenting the toxic bait, as well as the fact that Vespula usually dominate the baits where they are in high enough densities to warrant management. This method has been successfully used against V. vulgaris, V. germanica and V. pensylvanica using a variety of baits and toxins, resulting in a reduction in wasp activity of up to 99.7% in the treated area Chang 1988;Gambino and Loope 1992;Harris and Etheridge 2001;Sackmann et al 2001;Spurr 1991;Wood et al 2006). In New Zealand about 1,000 ha of forest has been treated with toxic bait annually since 1998 to control V. vulgaris, but most management operations are considerably smaller than this.…”

Behavioural responses of Vespula germanica (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) wasps exposed to essential oils

“…Homemade traps containing meat vary in efficacy and are not practical given that they need to be replaced every 2-3 days. Field studies testing toxic baits containing fipronil suggest these can be useful tools to manage vespids (Harris & Etheridge 2001;Sackmann et al 2001;Hanna et al 2012). The few tools available to control this pest coupled with the health concerns associated with the use of synthetic insecticides such as fipronil (Tingle et al 2003) require industry and the scientific community to place greater emphasis on research into new insecticidal products based on less toxic substances.…”

The potential distribution of German wasps (Vespula germanica) in Argentina

“…It has also become established in New Zealand (Thomas 1960), Australia (Spradbery 1973), South Africa (Tribe & Richardson 1994), North America and Canada (MacDonald et al 1980), and Chile (Edwards 1976). Because wasps in high numbers damage economic activities and natural ecosystems, such as beekeeping, horticulture, tourism, and cattle rearing, there has been extensive research on controlling Vespula populations in colonised areas (Akre & MacDonald 1986;Barlow et al 1996;Beggs et al 1998;Beggs 2001;Harris & Etheridge 2001;Sackmann et al 2001). In addition, the painful (rarely fatal) sting may interfere with human outdoor activities and affect residential areas where wasps are attracted to stored food and rubbish (Akre & MacDonald 1986).…”