Pest and wasp control operations
Details of pest control activities to be carried out by DOC or Vector Free Marlborough will be posted here as we receive them.
Notification of annual wasp control operation - Nelson Lakes District
The Department of Conservation is intending to carry out wasp control for biodiversity restoration and staff/visitor safety purposes in mid-late January or early February 2025
Read the factsheet with maps (pdf 1.6 MB).
As in many previous wasp control operations in the Nelson Lakes area, the toxic bait Vespex (active ingredient Fipronil 0.1%) will be used. Fipronil is a highly effective insecticide that is not toxic to birds or mammals, and the bait has a protein base so it is not attractive to bees. Poison bait is also dyed green to discourage bait take from non-target species.
Approximately 20 g of bait will be placed in bait station within the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project (RNRP) Mainland Island and St Arnaud township, as well as at key recreation sites to protect the public and DOC staff from wasp stings and the resulting risk of allergic reactions.
These sites are Travers Sabine Track, Lakehead Hut, Coldwater hut, Sabine hut, D’Urville hut, Kawatiri Junction, Rotoroa Campsite, Hope Saddle viewpoint, Maruia Falls viewpoint, the Skyline track (~1km west of Murchison) and on Teetotal mountain bike tracks including, Duck Down (top) via Rocky Horror, Flying Moa, Kaka, and Rattler Rim/Skating Pond Loop/Village Link.
All remaining bait the wasps haven’t taken will be removed from these stations after three to eight days. All waste bait is disposed of through the appropriate facility.
Warning notices will be placed at entry points to the control areas. All bait stations will be placed at least 1.5 m above the ground to exclude pets and small children.