Common wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Common wasp
Other Common names: common yellow jacket (English-USA), Gemeine Wespe (German)
Photo courtesy of: Landcare Research 
This species is established in New Zealand.
Description
Common wasps Vespula vulgaris are very similar in appearance to German wasps. In these species, members of the colony cooperate in the care of the young, and the building and protection of the nest. Females are easily identified by:
- a black mark behind the eye on the side of the head
- an anchor-shaped or dagger-shaped mark on the "face"
- yellow bands on the "shoulders" that are expanded centrally
- black dots and rings on the abdomen which are usually fused (this is very variable)
Impact
New Zealand has some of the highest densities of social wasps in the world. Large densities have been observed in beech forests containing honey dew. Their natural enemies are not present here, winters are mild, and there is an abundance of food for which they can out-compete our native insects and birds.
Common wasps have impacts on a range of sectors including:
- Forestry – Reduced work productivity due to wasp nests being disturbed, and logging gangs being stung.
- Beekeeping - Reduced honey production due to wasps out competing bees for honeydew.
- Horticulture – Wasps are attracted to sweet fruit particularly grapes.
- Tourism – Tourist numbers reduce the time spent at locations where wasps are a problem.
- Human-health - The risk of being stung appears to be the main reason. The sting is painful at best, and life-threatening at worst. A small proportion of the population will have a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylactic shock), which can be fatal unless treated promptly — about two people die from wasp or bee stings every 3 years. The more common reaction is localised swelling around the sting site which can be uncomfortable and itchy for a number of days. There are also financial costs involved in the treatment of bee stings.
Distribution
The native range of the common wasp is the holarctic region (entire northern or arctic region). Common wasps became established in New Zealand in the 1970’s. Their distribution is widespread throughout New Zealand including Stewart Island.
Common wasps are found in most habitats, but reach their highest densities in honeydew beech forests, where they have displaced German wasps. The two species coexist in urban and rural habitats.
Management
Biological and Chemical control methods have been developed to control wasp populations.
Biological control has been used to try and achieve widespread control of wasps. Since 1987, a parasitoid (called Sphecophaga vesparum vesparum) has been released at hundreds of sites throughout New Zealand. This parasitoid was brought from Europe where it attacks the same wasp species we have here. It lives in wasp nests, feeding on and thus destroying developing wasps. Other trials used include the use of pathogens.
Chemicals can be used against wasps in two ways - either finding and destroying all nests in the area, or using poison bait. The advantage of poison bait is that foraging wasps carry the poison back to the nest. This means you don't have to find and approach nests. Both methods will only alleviate the problem for the current season, and workers from further away are likely to turn up looking for food. In the next season, the area will almost certainly be reinvaded by queen wasps, which can fly from 30 to 70 kilometres before establishing a nest. The problem will therefore have to be dealt with each year.
Resources
Page last updated: 22 October 2008