Wasps to feel sting

The threat of aggressive european wasps in WA is to be countered by a new group tasked with coordinating biosecurity measures against the insects.

Comprised of government, industry and community representatives and organised by the Department of Agriculture and Food, it is hoped the group will strengthen the department’s european wasp program.

In March this year, the WA Local Government Association expressed fears plans to terminate the department’s nest removal program could result in the pests gaining a foothold in the South West.

A declared pest in WA, the wasps can sting several times and attack in swarms, with some victims requiring medical attention.

They are also an environmental and horticultural pest.

Department biosecurity spokesman Marc Widmer said the working group would look at increasing community awareness of european wasps and consider ways to improve surveillance and response actions to detections.

‘‘We plan to have the group in place and active by mid-December this year ahead of the main european wasp season,’’ Mr Widmer said.

‘‘Peak wasp activity in WA is usually around January.’’