DIY in the war against wasps
Is it a vespula wasp (German or common) or a paper wasp? Find out the difference here.
Once you know which type of wasp to target, the next step is to use the correct control method.
- For paper wasps, there are commercially available sprays at hardware stores around the country. The important things to note are not to get too close (these sprays can go up to four metres), and to do it at dusk once the wasps have returned to their nests. If you are unsure where the nests are, you can usually follow the wasp to it, as they don't travel too far away.
- Vespex is a protein-based bait which is suitable for use on the vespula wasp species. This is usually done at landscape scale as a small tub of bait can cover a large area. You don't need to find the nests as the wasps carry the bait home with them. Vespex is not at all attractive to bees. If there is a problem in your area you can learn all about the use of vespex here. You will need to be an approved user - a short 10-minute video course is all that is required. Vespex is not suitable for paper wasps as they prefer live bait. You can also contribute to our fight against wasps here: givealittle.co.nz...
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.4% Yes
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14.9% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.8% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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32.6% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.