Tent-sized wasp nest found in Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

In Waitākere Ranges Regional Park a large wasp nest was found that was originally the size of a two-person tent.

Found in the Karekare Beach area of ​​the regional park, Auckland City Council says the 1mx 2mx 2.5m nest is believed to have been expanding for up to two years.

Sarah Gibbs, the council’s senior ecological advisor, says the nest, which was home to tens of thousands of wasps, was one of the largest seen in a long time.

“Fortunately, this nest has collapsed and is no longer active; it is unlikely that it will be repopulated, as the queens will have already moved to settle elsewhere,” he said.

Discovered in recent weeks, the “hibernate” nest was built from a collection of sticks, bark and leaves.

“Most wasp nests die in late fall after the queens and drones have produced, but a nest of this size is big enough to survive a winter,” Gibbs said.

“Queens in a ‘hibernating’ nest like this one will establish multiple satellite nests in spring, allowing wasps to repopulate areas quickly as the weather warms.”

While the large nest was no longer a threat to park users, Gibbs said as summer approaches, it was a timely reminder of the threat from the common wasp.

Aside from its painful sting, the common wasp is an aggressive pest that preys on many native chicks and invertebrates.

“To protect park users and ecological values, we would love to hear from anyone who sees a large nest like this so we can control it before it grows and before the queens spread and create many new nests,” Gibbs said.

If you see a large wasp nest this summer season or at any time, stay away from it. Call Auckland City Council on 09 301 0101 to inform them of your location.