Short‐ and long‐term control of Vespula pensylvanica in Hawaii by fipronil baiting

A 0.1% fipronil chicken bait, enhanced with heptyl butyrate, demonstrated long-term efficacy in suppressing the invasive western yellowjacket wasp (Vespula pensylvanica) population in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The study found a 95% reduction in wasp abundance within three months post-treatment and sustained a 60.9% population reduction even a year later, compared to untreated sites. Heptyl butyrate significantly increased the bait's attractiveness while minimizing non-target impacts on other arthropods. This approach offers a highly effective large-scale management strategy for invasive wasp control with lasting ecological benefits.

Hanna, C., Foote, D., & Kremen, C. (2012). Short‐ and long‐term control of Vespula pensylvanica in Hawaii by fipronil baiting. Pest Management Science, 68(7), 1026–1033. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.3262