The threat of wasps
Beech seedlings sprouting from a fallen tree.
Wasps present a particular ecological
problem in beech forest
New Zealand has some of the highest densities of common and German wasps in the world. They have no natural predators here, our winters are mild and there is plenty of food for them.
Ecological problem
Wasps present a particular ecological problem in beech forest where they are voracious consumers of honeydew. In beech forests there is an estimated average density of 12 nests, or about 10,000 worker wasps, per hectare. This makes the biomass of wasps in these areas higher than that of all native birds, plus stoats and rodents, put together. Honeydew is produced by a native scale insect and is an important food for native birds, bats, insects and lizards.
Wasps also prey on insects and have even been seen killing newly hatched birds.
Nuisance problem
Wasps are a nuisance to forestry gangs, and a worry to tourist operators. They are unwelcome guests at summer picnics and barbecues. No-one finds a wasp sting a fun experience and some people have an allergic reaction.