A NEW PEST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 10 April 1945, Page 6

A NEW PEST

WASP FROM PACIFIC ANNOYANCE TO FRUITGROWERS I AND HOUSEWIVES Hamilton, April 3. ! A species of German wasp (vcspa j germanica> has been found in the Wai- ! kato. and specimens have been received by officers of the Agriculture Depart- j ment. A colony of the wasps has been j located by Mr A V. Whitfield, of Roto- j kauri, while samples or the comb in j which they lived were also secured, j The wasp is like the honey bee in ap- I pearance. Lut is somewhat longer and ! thinner. Gold bands encircle the body. : Dr. E. C. Brewis, of Hamilton, .‘aid he , found a female wasp in his garden today. He referred the matter to an , agricultural expert, who recently visited the Pacific Islands. This authority introduction of the pest to the lack of care in fumigating aircraft before their return to New Zealand. The Americans were much more careful in this respect than the New Zealanders, while British air personnel were meticulous in thoroughly fumi. gating aircraft. Dr. Brewis said he had seen the same type of wasp that he had found in his garden to-day in England, where the sting could be fatal to children and could incapacitate adults for several days. Unlike the bee, which died once it lost its sting, the female wasp could sting repeatedly. Dr. Brewis added that the female wasp laid 6000 eggs, and it appeared that the pest was now established in New Zealand and could not be eradicated. The wasp would be a particular nuisance to fruitgrowers and housewives who made jam and preserved fruit. Dr. Brewis said he was much concerned about the need for greater care being taken in the future respecting the fumigating of inland-based aircraft, and the prevention of ths introduction into New Zealand of other tropical pests.