The University of Thessaly’s Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology has been researching ways of controlling and reducing the problem of wasps in parts of Greece, where their numbers and the size of swarms have been increasing each summer.

Following their research, a pilot programme was successfully introduced last year on the island of Chios, resulting in a major drop in the wasp population. This year, in partnership with the Panthassian Professionals Association, a further control programme is being introduced on the island of Thassos. The methodology of the procedure is to employ the wasp’s natural enemy, but without causing harm to other insects, such as the island’s valuable bee population.

While not specialising exclusively in wasp control, the University department conducts extensive work on agricultural pest management, including beneficial insects such as parasitoid wasps.

The University will publish further details regarding the programme on Thassos in the coming weeks.