Community invited to join wasp trapping effort

Published on 25 September 2025

Council’s annual queen European wasp trapping program is starting again from next week.  

After a successful first year of the program run across Mansfield Shire in 2024, Council will again be providing guidance to community members on how to prepare traps at their properties, as well as providing baiting solution. 

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie thanked everyone in the community for participating in the program last year. 

“During last year’s campaign, over 285 queen wasps were successfully trapped and eliminated. This whole community effort is estimated to have prevented the emergence of more than 800,000 wasps in new colonies over the summer, significantly reducing the impact on local ecosystems and communities,” Cr Rabie said. 

“We’re asking for your help again this year. We’re trying to give as much help as we can to community members wanting to set up traps at your property so that we can keep on top of wasps all across our Shire.” 

European wasps are a pest in Australia. Their opportunistic and competitive diet can have major negative impacts on native species, honey production, fruit and pollination. They also impact public spaces, social activities, sport and recreation. 

Early spring is a critical time for trapping queen wasps as they become active after winter and search for places to establish nests. 

As well as providing guidance and bait solution to community members, Council will be placing traps on Council-managed land. The Resource Recovery Centre will be a particular focus this year, as wasps have often been observed in the area. 

Flyers are available to help understand the problems with European wasps and how to make your own solution/trap at home. To collect a flyer or baiting solution, visit the municipal offices at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield, or email environment@mansfield.vic.gov.au