Paphos Life

Hopefully you all know what i mean by this - the huge wasps, Asian Hornets i think. Does anybody know much about the lifecycle of these things? We have had a few knocking around all summer, but a couple of weeks ago they exploded in numbers - 30 or 40 hovering around one skimmer for the pool and the dog's outside water bowl. They seem to arrive in numbers at almost the same time each year, the first year they were obsessed with our pool shower head! I've tried all the usual traps - bottles with soapy water with sugar, coffee and even dog food. Caught about 3 Lots more drown themselves in the skimmer.

Personally I'm not bothered about them as they are more interested in water than me, but I know many are intimated by them. I reckon numbers have fallen the last two days - any connection with what sounds like the bee eaters? I can hear them but haven't seen any yet. Any advice on deterrents welcomed.

Ian

Do you mean the ones with the big thick bands? We normally one see them in ones or twos.

Do you mean ones that look like this?
If so, they are Oriental Hornets Vespa orientalis?

I have never come across large numbers of them but the ones I have seen close up generally seem tolerant of humans & are not aggressive. Unfortunately, I don't know of any specific techniques to get rid of them! Maybe best to try calling a pest exterminator!


Shane

That's the one Shane. I think there must be a next on the hill behind us. No intention of going in there, snake land!

Ian,
Coincidentally, on the BBC news web page there is an article about hornets invading Jersey and their attempts to eradicate them. In their case it is Asian hornets but I guess the habits are similar to each species. Apparently the biggest problem is that they devastate all the pollinating insects, including dragonflies, so, since they are in abundance at the moment, that could be what has brought them to your door.
Geoff

My photos (1 in flight!) and good description (larval and adult stages) at http://www.bnellis.eu/nature/natsocial.html

I had a few wood wasps bored into my outside beams... didn't fancy getting near them...