Re-evaluating management of established pests including the European wasp, Vespula germanica using biocontrol agents

Abstract

Established pests such as the European wasp (Vespula germanica) are often overlooked as candidates for management programmes (eradication and/or containment) because the use of traditional surveillance and control techniques over very large areas becomes uneconomic. Use of biological control agents that persist in the environment is usually the only economically feasible option, however the processes around approvals for release of biocontrol agents can take significant amounts of time and resources, especially if screening and testing of potential agents is required. This project investigates whether the European wasp could be a candidate for a renewed management programme in south-eastern Australia given the availability of a biocontrol agent following successful screening and testing of an agent, Sphecophaga vesparum vesparum, in the 1980s. Whether a biological control programme is worthwhile pursuing depends on the size of the benefits to industry, community and the environment from a reduction in European wasp abundance. This project explores the benefits and costs of European wasp management using a biocontrol agent, and importantly, includes valuation of the social and environmental impacts of the pest.