MEEGAN Fitzharris says Canberra’s wasp specialist, CoreEnviro Solutions, has developed a new free European wasp mobile app called eWasp to make it even easier for people to report wasp nests around Canberra.

“European wasps are one of the most invasive insect pests globally and can have a profound impact on people as well as the environment,” Meegan said.

“The eWasp app is a great way to record the location of wasps in our urban environment so we can better control this pest and keep people safe from what can be a really nasty sting.

“The app has an easy-to-use GPS mapping tool that allows the user to pin the location of a European wasp nest on public or private land. Users also have access to information on wasp and bee identification, safety tips and first aid. The European wasp hotline’s contact details and a list of pest control companies, for removing wasps from private property, are also available through the app.

“This great mobile app was developed by Canberra based business Three72 and is now available free from Google Play and the App Store. It’s great to see a local firm delivering this technology, and the ACT Government will continue to explore new ways to provide our community with access to information and advice.”

“We have had a steady start to dealing with European wasps in 2016. This new app will help us better track and record the location of European wasp nests through a GPS mapping system,” CoreEnviro Solutions Senior Pest and Weed Officer Jim Bariesheff said.

“The main page of the eWasp mobile app displays a map of reported and untreated European wasp nests on public land so users can see if European wasps have been spotted in a particular area. Once the nest is treated, the pin will disappear from the map. Reports on private land will not be displayed on the public map.

“CoreEnviro Solutions expects it to get busier in coming weeks in terms of removing nests.

“The European wasp season is in full swing and we have received 111 public enquiries during January on our wasp hotline, with 35 of those relating to being European wasp nests.

“We thank the public for reporting nests, but remind residents not to treat European wasps nests themselves. There are some very dangerous methods on the internet for eradicating European wasp nests which can lead to serious injury or property damage.

“We ask the public to report all European wasp nests to the hotline and the eWasp team will point you in the right direction.”

European wasp nest sightings can be made to ewasp.com.au or by calling the European Wasp Hotline on 6258 5551.