DIY in the war against wasps
Is it a vespula wasp (German or common) or a paper wasp? Find out the difference here.
Once you know which type of wasp to target, the next step is to use the correct control method.
- For paper wasps, there are commercially available sprays at hardware stores around the country. The important things to note are not to get too close (these sprays can go up to four metres), and to do it at dusk once the wasps have returned to their nests. If you are unsure where the nests are, you can usually follow the wasp to it, as they don't travel too far away.
- Vespex is a protein-based bait which is suitable for use on the vespula wasp species. This is usually done at landscape scale as a small tub of bait can cover a large area. You don't need to find the nests as the wasps carry the bait home with them. Vespex is not at all attractive to bees. If there is a problem in your area you can learn all about the use of vespex here. You will need to be an approved user - a short 10-minute video course is all that is required. Vespex is not suitable for paper wasps as they prefer live bait. You can also contribute to our fight against wasps here: givealittle.co.nz...
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.8% Yes
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32.1% Maybe?
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26.1% No
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