Local exterminator says people need to know how to deal with wasps

Ian Clifton with a wasp hive he extracted

Nobody likes to be bugged by a wasp.

To avoid the sting, local man Ian Clifton says people need to know what to if they have one on their property.

Ian knows a thing or two about the insects. He has been killing wasps since he was 10 years old.

"My father was a bee keeper as a hobby, and we went round killing wasps in the Arapuni area."

Ian has a business offering his services in a range of home and farm maintenance tasks in the Stratford, Eltham and Inglewood area.

He says wasp nest destruction is one of the tasks he is often asked to undertake.

"A lot of the hives I find are in roofs of houses. I use an air compressor and blow dust powder in.

"In some cases I have to get in the roof to extract wasp nests properly. I have a young chap that helps me who is more capable of getting in the roof and grabbing the hives."

The worst time for wasps is from January to March. In early February, Ian got rid of six nests in one week.

"There has been an increase in the last 12 months. Over the period of January to March I would have done about 20 nests. It's a lot.

"When a wasp stings, they leave a scent which attracts other wasps. It draws them very quickly."

Ian says if people are concerned about wasps, they should watch their guttering.

A wasp hive, removed by Ian.

"If they see a lot of wasps around they are guaranteed to have a nest somewhere. Once you upset a nest, they'll attack. If there is a hive around get something done about it quickly as possible."

Ian says many people use petrol to get rid of wasps.

"It might be a good way to get rid of the wasps but it is a dangerous way of doing it."

Ian says he wants to get the awareness out about wasp nests as they can expand very quickly.

"Once there are eggs in the hive, they take 28 days to hatch. It is not a very long time frame. If people are concerned, they can give me a ring - it's what I'm here for. Someone might have a nest in their roof they don't know about."

Steve Ellis, Taranaki Regional Council Environment Services Manager, says wasps are not included in the Regional Pest Management Plan for Taranaki.

"The Taranaki Regional Council does not monitor wasp numbers in the region or assist with the control of wasps. Anyone who has a problem with wasps should contact a commercial pest control company for assistance or advice. Commercial products are available to control wasps."