Horticulture and Beekeeping Industries
European wasps have significant impacts on the beekeeping, grape and fruit industries (Ward et al., 2002, Sackmann et al., 2001, Lefoe et al., 2001). In 1998 Victorian grape growers reported significant losses in production due to wasps (Lefoe et al., 2001, Field and Darby, 1991, Field and & Darby, 1991). European wasps are pests for the honey industry as they rob hives, kill bees and they compete with bees for food resources (Lefoe et al., 2001, Davidson, 1986).
In New Zealand, 4.9% of bee colonies were severely affected by wasps in one year, and 1.9% destroyed (Davidson, 1986). The immense size of wasp populations can lead to a local reduction in the numbers of other insects including bees. Therefore reducing pollination services and resulting on impacts horticulture (Tennant et. al. 2001).
European wasps have significant impacts on the beekeeping, grape and fruit industries (Ward et al., 2002, Sackmann et al., 2001, Lefoe et al., 2001). In 1998 Victorian grape growers reported significant losses in production due to wasps (Lefoe et al., 2001, Field and Darby, 1991, Field and & Darby, 1991). European wasps are pests for the honey industry as they rob hives, kill bees and they compete with bees for food resources (Lefoe et al., 2001, Davidson, 1986).
In New Zealand, 4.9% of bee colonies were severely affected by wasps in one year, and 1.9% destroyed (Davidson, 1986). The immense size of wasp populations can lead to a local reduction in the numbers of other insects including bees. Therefore reducing pollination services and resulting on impacts horticulture (Tennant et. al. 2001).
Environment
European wasps are an ecological threat (Lefoe et al., 2001), having a negative impact on natural ecosystems (Harris, 1996, Beggs and Rees, 1999, Sackmann et al., 2001). They prey on native fauna such as other insects (ACT, 2006), as worker wasps compete for nectar (Beggs and Rees, 1999, Sackmann et al., 2001, Lefoe et al., 2001). These wasps cause considerable harm to native wildlife. They are insatiable predators feeding on various food sources including native arthropods and out-compete other animals for food (Harris, 1996, Beggs et al., 1998, Beggs, 2001). Due to their high densities and their insect-foraging activities, European wasps can destroy virtually all insect species in an area (Sackmann et. al. 2000). With up to 100kg of insect and spider prey per year captured by foragers for a single over-wintering nest (Davidson, 1986). Wasp predation can be so high in some species including caterpillars and spiders that they could become instinct locally (Beggs & Rees 1999).
European wasps are an ecological threat (Lefoe et al., 2001), having a negative impact on natural ecosystems (Harris, 1996, Beggs and Rees, 1999, Sackmann et al., 2001). They prey on native fauna such as other insects (ACT, 2006), as worker wasps compete for nectar (Beggs and Rees, 1999, Sackmann et al., 2001, Lefoe et al., 2001). These wasps cause considerable harm to native wildlife. They are insatiable predators feeding on various food sources including native arthropods and out-compete other animals for food (Harris, 1996, Beggs et al., 1998, Beggs, 2001). Due to their high densities and their insect-foraging activities, European wasps can destroy virtually all insect species in an area (Sackmann et. al. 2000). With up to 100kg of insect and spider prey per year captured by foragers for a single over-wintering nest (Davidson, 1986). Wasp predation can be so high in some species including caterpillars and spiders that they could become instinct locally (Beggs & Rees 1999).
Human Interactions
European wasps are a serious pest in urban areas due to stinging (Lefoe et al., 2001). European wasps impact on a number of sectors in the community (Crosland 1990; Braverman 1998). They are often nuisances at picnics and barbeques (Lefoe et al., 2001, Industries, 2015).
Very little information is available about the increasing health risks posed by a European wasp and human interactions. These wasps are aggressive if their nests are disturbed and threatened (Lefoe et al., 2001, Industries, 2015). Accidental disturbance of nests poses a considerable threat to people and animals (Industries, 2015), particularly for people employed in outdoor jobs or rural areas (Lefoe et al., 2001, Sackmann et al., 2001).
European wasps are a serious pest in urban areas due to stinging (Lefoe et al., 2001). European wasps impact on a number of sectors in the community (Crosland 1990; Braverman 1998). They are often nuisances at picnics and barbeques (Lefoe et al., 2001, Industries, 2015).
Very little information is available about the increasing health risks posed by a European wasp and human interactions. These wasps are aggressive if their nests are disturbed and threatened (Lefoe et al., 2001, Industries, 2015). Accidental disturbance of nests poses a considerable threat to people and animals (Industries, 2015), particularly for people employed in outdoor jobs or rural areas (Lefoe et al., 2001, Sackmann et al., 2001).