FRUIT growers can expect a strong European wasp presence this autumn, but Melbourne’s wasp ‘‘plague’’ is not expected to make its way to Tasmania, researchers say.
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Victoria’s European wasp population has exploded in recent months, with many pest control companies unable to keep up with the public’s requests for help.
Thousands of insects are carried from Victoria, across Bass Strait and into Tasmania via wind draughts every month, but it would be highly uncommon for wasps to travel the same route, University of Tasmania senior entomology lecturer Dr Geoff Allen believes.
‘‘European wasps have been here since the late 1950s,’’ he said.
‘‘I think it’s pretty unlikely that Victoria’s European wasp population would be transported to Tasmania.’’
A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment spokesman said wasp ‘‘bait stations’’ were in place to help fruit growers combat the pests.
‘‘It is not feasible to control the wasp everywhere forever,’’ he said.
‘‘In the past the department has released biological control agents against the wasp and co-operated with other national research programs looking for better control options.
‘‘More recently we have worked with the national registrar of pesticides to facilitate permits allowing people to make bait stations. ‘‘Recently we also worked with the vineyard industry to facilitate bait stations for them.’’
DPIPWE can provide advice to those in the community looking for assistance in managing European wasps.
