Wasp hunter targets pest nests

JO

Wasp hunter John Eason is on the prowl for nests and is asking the public for help.

John’s target is the European paper wasp (Polistes dominula) – for two main reasons: Firstly, the insect is a pest species which needs to be controlled; but, more importantly, venom extracted from female wasps can be used to produce a lifesaving treatment for hyperallergic people who can die from a single sting.

“Taking regular small doses of the product over a long period can desensitise you [to wasp venom],” explains John.

It’s valuable work, but, so far, the season’s haul has been poor, says John who has just returned from a disappointing foray over to Motueka. “This year has not been that great. I’m seeing some nests with only half the expected number of wasps. It’s the cold spring and overcast summer weather.”

Temperature has a major influence on wasp activity. “They love the heat,” says John. “The larvae need 21 degrees [Celsius] minimum to hatch.”

When it gets cooler the insects become virtually inactive. “They can’t fly if it’s under 15 degrees and at around 12 degrees they are very sluggish.”

It’s when they are sluggish – usually in the morning before 9am – that John grabs them and places them in a bag. Once bagged, the insects are put on ice before being transferred to a freezer to prevent decomposition.

At the end of the season, normally around early April, John packs his harvest of female wasps with dry ice and transports them Christchurch for one final flight – back home to Europe –where laboratories in the UK and Italy extract the venom and produce the desensitising formulation.

With only a month or so to go before cooler weather significantly reduces the female:male ratio and the pests crawl into hibernation mode, John is on the look-out for active nests.

He urges people across the Bay to have a look around their homes, farms and sheds.“ The nests are found in warm dry places like, under eaves, glasshouses, abandoned cars and machinery, pole shed rafters, tree protectors and especially silage pit tyres.”

John is particularly keen to hear from anyone with multiple unsprayed nests and will be happy to arrange their free removal.

To contact John, phone or text 020 4007 9983 or email: waspolnz@gmail.com