It may seem like it, but wasp numbers in Regina not on the rise

They’re pesky and annoying, and many Reginans believe there are more of them than normal. 

Yet, the wasp population in Regina is not on the rise.  

According to the City of Regina, it appears there are more than usual because a wet spring and summer kept them at bay, and recent warm weather is bringing them on a search for food.  

“The population’s built throughout the summer,” Supervisor of Pest Management Wade Morrow said. “Right now we’re at their peak population levels, and over the next few weeks they’re going to start to disappear.” 

On a nice day, there’s nothing better than enjoying a meal on a patio. Unfortunately, wasps sometimes become unwanted guests at the dinner table.  

“So far this year, it hasn’t been too bad,” Robert Gardikiotis, Manager of Copper Kettle said. “But it’s started to become a big problem now.” 

Gardikiotis has turned to a secret weapon to fight the pesky bugs. It’s a combination of grenadine, coke and kahlua.  

“It’s sweet so it attracts,” Gardikiotis said. “They go down to the liquid and then they drown themselves. 

“It is the ultimate trap for them.” 

The secret weapon is very effective.  

“On a good day (we catch) 100’s,” Gardikiotis explained. “It’s amazing, we’re surprised ourselves.” 

He believes it’s not all bad for the wasps.  

“They go happy, because we add a little bit of vodka and a bit of kahlua,” Gardikiotis said. “So that’s the happy hour.” 

For anyone worried about nests on their property, but doesn’t plan on calling an exterminator, there are some options.  

“There are products available in aerosol cans called Wasp and Hornet blasters,” Morrow explained. “They’re easy to use, they’re already mixed.”