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...
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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29.1% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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19.4% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.6% Keep it as is
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33.1% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.5% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
One week to go 🌸🌸🌸Garden and Art Festival - Volunteer!
Got a few spare hours next week?
Grab a friend and come down and volunteer at this year's Garden and Art Festival. There are sites across Tauranga Moana, including at the festival hub on The Strand.
Roles include:
🌸Ushering: Welcome festival pass holders at events downtown and across Tauranga.
🌸Parking Assistance: Help manage car parks and shuttle service stops for a smooth visitor experience.
🌸Staff Support: Aid festival staff with various tasks to keep everything running seamlessly.
For your amazing efforts you'll get a festival t-shirt that you can wear when you go and explore what's on with your complimentary festival pass. 🙌🙌🙌
For more details follow the link:
www.volunteeringservices.org.nz...
or email office@gardenandartfestival.co.nz to sign up.
💚Get involved in this iconic local celebration of community and creativity and help make this year's event a blooming success 💚