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There are going to be more wasps in Regina this year compared to 2016, according to Russell Eirich, the city’s manager of forestry, pest control and horticulture.
Last year, crews treated a total of 28 nests on city-owned property. In the past week, Eirich said they’ve already treated 10, and wasp season carries on until the ground freezes.
Eirich said wasps get more aggressive in August because they need to feed their nests. When they can’t pull enough food out of their natural environment, they turn to humans and their food for nutrition.
Because wasps are not regulated insects, Eirich said residents are in charge of managing wasps on their own property. However, should people see nests or wasps on city property, or if they need advice on how to control the bugs, they are welcome to call the City of Regina.
Controlling wasps
To control wasps, Eirich suggested using traps and hanging them away from areas where people gather.
Since wasps focus on sugar, he said filling a wasp trap with pop — or even sardines — can help attract them.
When it comes to killing nests, Eirich recommends people use sprays to target the hanging ones, and dusts for nests underground.
He said the best time to treat nests is early in the morning.
“The cooler the day makes the wasps go a lot slower,” explained Eirich. “I would do a nest in my own yard around (5 a.m.).”
Eirich also reminded residents to wear long sleeves while treating wasp nests to prevent getting stung.
To help further manage wasps, people are also advised to put leftover food inside and empty cans in closed recycling bins.
