Re-evaluating management of established pests including the European wasp, Vespula germanica using biocontrol agents

Project ID: 190804

Project Name:  Re-evaluating management of established pests including the European wasp, Vespula germanica using biocontrol agents

CEBRA Project Leaders: Susie Hester and Tom Kompas

DAWE Project Sponsor:  Chris Parker, First Assistant Secretary, Biosecurity Plant Division

DAWE Project Leader: Con Goletsos, Australian Chief Plant Protection Office

Collaborators: Professor Oscar Cacho, UNE Business School, University of New England,
Australia; Associate Professor Peter Tait, Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit,
Lincoln University, New Zealand.

This project will deliver a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) for controlling European Wasp (Vespula germanica), which is an established pest in Australia. BCA is the standard method of evaluating cost -effectiveness of response options in the management of pest incursions.

A recent re-evaluation of established pests has identified some widespread pests that could now be excellent candidates for a new attempt at impact reduction, or eradication, if resources were made available. One such established pest, the European wasp (Vespula germanica), could be a candidate for a renewed management programme given the availability of biocontrol agents, and the potentially large benefits to industry, community and the environment from a reduction in its abundance.

The main objective and outcome of this project is to use a BCA to provide an understanding of whether additional funds should be made available to improve the management of the European wasp, and whether other biocontrol options should be explored. The BCA will indicate the magnitude of the benefits and costs from control of the European wasp.

Final Report 190804

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