Stinging Insect IPM Research, Demonstration and Outreach Project, NYS IPM Program, 2004

Stinging insects are a high priority pest in the community landscape due to their potential threat to human health and their attraction to human activity and man-made structures. New York State IPM Program specialists and other Cornell extension scientists have made efforts to promote IPM and least-toxic management practices for stinging insects in 2004. A research project tested the effectiveness of baited traps placed at the perimeter of a space in preventing wasps from entering the perimeter. Results indicated that traps were somewhat attractive and may increase wasp activity. Another project was designed to test the theory that sky blue paint acted as a nest-building deterrent for paper wasps. Results were mostly negative, with the exception of one study. There may be a reason to continue to investigate this idea. Additionally, outreach was accomplished through the development of a fact sheet on acceptable least-toxic management of stinging insects and a PowerPoint slide presentation that was used on several occasions