Preference by Vespula germanica (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) for processed meats: implications for toxic baiting

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Pest Management
• Invasive Species Biology

Background:

• The German yellowjacket (Vespula germanica) is an invasive species in Australia, causing nuisance in urban areas and posing a threat to native invertebrates.
• Current control methods rely on nest destruction via pesticide, but locating nests is often impractical.
• Insecticide-impregnated meat baits offer a potential solution for wasp suppression when nests are unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the preference and acceptance of five processed meat baits by German yellowjackets.
• To identify optimal bait formulations for effective wasp population suppression.

Main Methods:

• Five processed meat types were tested: canned chicken, canned fish, freeze-dried chicken, freeze-dried fish, and freeze-dried kangaroo.
• Wasp visitation and bait acceptance rates were recorded for each meat type.
• Preference was determined by the quantity of bait taken by foraging wasps.

Main Results:

• Freeze-dried kangaroo and canned chicken were the most visited and accepted baits.
• Canned and freeze-dried fish showed similar, moderate preference.
• Freeze-dried chicken was the least attractive and accepted bait by Vespula germanica.

Conclusions:

• Wasp preference for specific processed meats can significantly influence bait acceptance and effectiveness.
• Combining potent insecticides with preferred meat baits, such as freeze-dried kangaroo or canned chicken, can enhance the suppression of nuisance German yellowjacket populations.