Wasp management system

Abstract

A wasp management system has a wasp feeding station (1) which contains and provides a semisolid wasp feed supply such as a gel, jelly, paste, wax or similar substance for the consumption and control of wasps. The wasp feeding station (1) comprises a housing (2). Wasp access vents (3) adjacent an upper end of the housing (2) provide for access by wasps into and out of the housing (2). A wasp feed module (4) is mounted within the housing (2) and has an associated weighing device (5) for weighing the wasp feed module (4) to indicate when the wasp feed module (4) needs to be recharged with wasp feed. A vapour dispensing device (6) is mounted within the housing (2) and is operable for discharging a wasp attractant vapour (7) to attract wasps into the housing (2) to feed at the wasp feed module (4).

Description

[0001] “Wasp Management System”

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a wasp management system which uses one or more wasp feeding stations to control foraging wasps without causing harm or stress to wasps or the environment. The invention also relates to a semisolid wasp feed for consumption by wasps.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Wasp pest infestation is a global problem affecting the commercial, public and agricultural sectors. It can result in brand damage and revenue loss through negative perceptions, potential insurance claims and crop damage. Wasps’ natural food supply depletes in late summer and, facing starvation, they seek alternatives such as the foods, beverages and sugars that people enjoy in gatherings. This creates conflict with humans. Conventional solutions such as wasp extermination traps prove ineffective and unpleasant. Traps convey a poor message and have been shown to potentially increase the incidence of stings.

[0006] From the onset of intensive farming in vineyards, orchards and fruit farms and the development of sugary foods, including soft and alcoholic beverages, mankind has been inadvertently feeding wasps as they adapted to feed from these human produced food sources to prevent starvation in late summer. The wasp pest phenomenon is a consequence of human food production, and this has resulted in wasps coming to be regarded as a pest.

[0007] Wasps are not fussy when they begin to starve, and during wasp pest season they will forage from any available food source. Wasps seeking food are undeterred by traps or the presence of humans. They are attracted by the presence of processed foods produced with sweeteners, flavourings, and aromas such as the foods and beverages available in theme parks, sweetshops, bakeries, cafes, bars and at refuse points where food waste, wrappings and containers are discarded.

[0008] Unlike other pollinating insects, hungry wasps are attracted to odours from sugars and syrups contained in soft and alcoholic beverages. Although wasps are recognized as beneficial insects in vineyards, orchards and fruit farms, once starvation sets in, they will infest and feast upon ripe fruits, causing damage and disease and increasing the probability of stings for staff and visitors.

[0009] Wasp nest eradication is a necessity in businesses such as theme parks. Wasps often build their nests in areas that can cause a hazard for patrons and staff in queues, public pathways, and on the rides themselves. Although large quantities of nests are discovered and eradicated during wasp pest season, an overwhelming wasp infestation can persist, due to many nests being difficult to locate, or impossible to eradicate. Wasps also travel to forage from nests existing outside the boundaries of a theme park.

[0010] The deployment of traditional wasp traps actually attracts more wasps into an area, increasing the hazard potential. Trapped, distressed and dying wasps release a pheromone alerting other wasps to become defensive and aggressive and more likely to sting. Trapping systems do very little to minimize infestations or reduce sting rates and these devices are unsightly and off-putting when installed in the vicinity of food vendors.

[0011] The over application of insecticides to kill wasps can have unfortunate environmental repercussions. These chemicals are often highly toxic. They can cause damage to soil and pollute ground water. As a consequence of cross contamination, these toxins can harm other non - target species and potentially cause health issues for humans. Many of these chemical insecticides are no longer permitted for use.

[0012] Social wasps are highly evolved insects, displaying an advanced level of social organisation - in other words, they are a eusocial species. Wasps are an integral link in the food web and play a vital role maintaining harmony in our ecosystems. A healthy native wasp population can be noted as a good indicator to the overall health of local biodiversity systems.

[0013] As apex predators, wasps are an important insect in world food production. They spend the most part of their life cycle as natural bio-control agents, hunting lepidopteran pests that could otherwise destroy entire food crops. One estimate from the UK states that wasps are responsible for removing 14,000 tonnes of unwanted pests from fruit, crops and gardens annually. While foraging for insects or nectar, wasps are active pollinators, collecting pollen on their almost invisible hairs and inadvertently transferring it from flower to flower. Hibernating queen wasps store essential yeasts in their gut over the winter, specifically yeasts of the species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Keeping these yeasts alive until spring she then passes them on to her colony, who go out and disperse them amongst the crops that produce wine, beer and bread. Wasps are also a food source for many other creatures such as birds, spiders, dragonflies, reptiles, frogs, toads and a variety of small mammals, which all feed on wasps as part of their diet.

[0014] A small number of non-stinging male drone wasps are born at season’s end for reproductive purposes. Otherwise, all adult wasps are female. Wasps have a proboscis and normally do not consume solid foods. Adult wasps spend their lives hunting insects and insect larvae, which they then return to the hive and feed to the young wasp grubs in a masticated form. In return the grubs secrete a nutritional syrup that the adults consume. This is a food exchange process known as trophallaxis. Along with nectar and sap, this larvae-produced syrup is adult wasps’ primary food.

[0015] This food-exchange process naturally declines in late summer. As the queen lays decreasing quantities of eggs, the supply of larva-produced food diminishes. Facing starvation, the wasps then have little choice but to seek out alternative food sources. As a result, they are attracted to places where there are ready sources of carbohydrates, such as business and public places where people gather, as well as businesses such as hospitality, leisure facilities and horticulture.

[0016] The present invention is directed towards providing an improved wasp management system which addresses the aforementioned problems.

[0017] Summary of the Invention

[0018] According to the invention, there is provided a wasp feeding station, comprising: a housing, wasp access vents in a side wall of the housing, a wasp feed module mounted within the housing, a weighing device for weighing the wasp feed module, and a vapour dispensing device within or on the housing which is operable for discharging a wasp attractant vapour.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the wasp feed module is suspended within the housing by a hanger which incorporates a weight sensor forming the weighing device. The hanger may be a hanger cable.

[0020] In another embodiment, the wasp feed module is supported within the housing on a weight scale sensor plate forming the weighing device.

[0021] In another embodiment, the wasp feed module comprises a plurality of spaced-apart wasp feed cartridges, each wasp feed cartridge comprising a rectangular outer framework within which is mounted a feeding grid having a plurality of open-ended tubes for reception of wasp feed, the wasp feed cartridges being mounted spaced- apart on a cradle which is supported within the housing by the weighing device.

[0022] In another embodiment, the wasp feed module comprises a wasp feed jelly block mounted on a support plate and mounted within the housing by the weighing device.

[0023] In another embodiment, a UVC luminaire is mounted within the housing.

[0024] In another embodiment, the wasp access vents are provided at an upper end of the housing and an air intake vent is provided in a side wall of the housing below the wasp access vents.

[0025] In another embodiment, the air intake vent is adjustable.

[0026] In another embodiment, a horizontal base plate is mounted at a lower end of the housing projecting outwardly therefrom.

[0027] In another embodiment, an angled base plate is mounted at a lower end of the housing projecting outwardly therefrom.

[0028] In another embodiment, a suspension cable is mounted at a top of the housing for hanging the housing on a support.

[0029] In another embodiment, one or more mounting brackets project outwardly at a side of the housing for mounting the housing on a support.

[0030] In another embodiment, the housing is mounted on a mobile support chassis.

[0031] In another embodiment, the housing is foldable on the mobile support chassis between an upright operative position and a horizontal stored position on the support chassis.

[0032] In another embodiment, the support chassis is a semi-trailer.

[0033] In another embodiment the mobile support chassis comprises a semi-trailer having a load bed upon which the housing of the wasp feeding station is mounted., the housing being in two sections, namely, a lower section and an upper section, the upper section is hingedly attached to the lower section by a hinge to enable the upper portion of the housing to fold on the load bed between an upright operative position and a horizontal stored position on the load bed, and when in the stored position, an upper end of the housing is supported in an associated upwardly open receiver slot on a support frame at a front end of the semi-trailer.

[0034] In another embodiment the wasp feed is a semisolid wasp feed such as a gel, jelly, paste, wax or similar substance for the consumption and control of wasps.

[0035] In another embodiment a monitor is provided which is operable to monitor the quantity of wasp feed to detect depletion of wasp feed supply.

[0036] In another embodiment the monitor is operable such that on or near near depletion of wasp feed supply the monitor automatically sends an alert notification via network technology such as Wi-Fi, mobile network or Bluetooth to a receiving device, such as a mobile phone or computer to notify for due replacement of the wasp feed supply. In another embodiment the wasp feed jelly block is produced using 3D printing technology or a moulding technology.

[0037] In another embodiment a UV dye is included in the wasp feed supply.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wasp feeding array comprising of plurality of wasp feeding cartridges containing a semisolid wasp feed for consumption by wasps.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wasp feeding cartridge comprised of a frame encompassing a grid of open-ended tubes that contain a semisolid wasp feed. The feed containment tubes are ample diameter to allow wasps freely pass through as the semisolid wasp feed is consumed.

[0040] In another embodiment the wasp feeding array is suspended on a weight scale sensor and indicator to monitor feed weight reduction and send an alert via, Wi-Fi, mobile network, Bluetooth or similar technology to a receiving device for due replacement notification of the feed supply as required.

[0041] In another embodiment the feed supply is a wasp feed jelly block. The wasp feed jelly block is produced using 3D printing technology, moulding technologies or other suitable technologies.

[0042] Advantageously, the invention provides an insertable wasp feed configuration for containment and provision of a semisolid wasp feed such as a gel, jelly, paste or wax for the consumption of wasps.

[0043] In another embodiment the feed supply is positioned upon a planar weight scale sensor and indicator for application in other wasp feeding stations.

[0044] Advantageously, the invention includes the addition of a UV tracking dye in the semisolid wasp feed and the utilization UV emitting devices such as drones for finding the location of wasp nests.

[0045] In another embodiment the invention illustrates wasp feeding stations suited for deployment in a selection of locations. In another aspect the invention incorporates camera technologies such as those used in a wasp feeding station the type described in my earlier patent application - Publication No. WO 2021 / 191472 A1 - the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

[0046] In another embodiment, the semi solid wasp feed is of the type described in my earlier patent application - Publication No. WO 2023 / 214095 A1 - the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

[0047] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by the way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wasp feeding station according to the invention with cutaway to reveal internal components;

[0050] Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view of a wasp feed module forming portion of the wasp feeding station, containing eighteen wasp feed cartridges, suspended with inline weight sensor and indicator;

[0051] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a cradle portion of the wasp feed module containing six wasp feed cartridges;

[0052] Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of a wasp feed cartridge forming portion of the wasp feed module, the wasp feed cartridge containing a semisolid wasp feed;

[0053] Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail perspective view showing portion of the wasp feed cartridge containing a semisolid wasp feed;

[0054] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a wasp feed module according to another embodiment of the invention produced as a jelly block, suspended with inline weight sensor and indicator; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a wasp feed module according to another embodiment of the invention, containing six wasp feed cartridges, mounted upon a planar weight sensor with indicator;

[0055] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another wasp feed module produced as a jelly block according to another embodiment of the invention, mounted upon a planar weight sensor with indicator;

[0056] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a wasp feeding station according to another embodiment of the invention for flat roof installation;

[0057] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a wasp feeding station according to another embodiment of the invention for suspended installation;

[0058] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a wasp feeding station according to another embodiment of the invention for pitch roof installation;

[0059] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a wasp feeding station according to another embodiment of the invention for side mounted installation;

[0060] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a wasp feeding station according to another embodiment of the invention for mobile deployment; and

[0061] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the wasp feeding station for mobile deployment shown in Fig. 13, shown during transportation.

[0062] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0063] Referring to the drawings, and initially Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 thereof, there is illustrated a wasp feeding station according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The wasp feeding station 1 contains and provides a semisolid wasp feed supply such as a gel, jelly, paste, wax or similar substance for the consumption and control of wasps. The wasp feeding station 1 comprises a housing 2. Wasp access vents 3 adjacent an upper end of the housing 2 provide for access by wasps into and out of the housing 2. A wasp feed module 4 is mounted within the housing 2 and has an associated weighing device 5 for weighing the wasp feed module 4. A vapour dispensing device 6 is mounted within the housing 2 and is operable for discharging a wasp attractant vapour 7 to attract wasps into the housing 2 to feed at the wasp feed module 4.

[0064] The wasp feed module 4 is suspended within the housing 2 by a hanger cable 9 which incorporates a weight scale sensor 10 weighing device which is connected to an associated indicator 11.

[0065] Referring in particular to Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the wasp feed module 4 comprises a plurality of spaced-apart wasp feed cartridges 12. Each wasp feed cartridge 12 comprises a rectangular outer framework 14 with top wall 15, bottom wall 16 interconnected by end walls 17, 18. A feeding grid 20 is mounted within the framework 14 and comprises open-ended tubes 21 for reception of wasp feed. It will be noted that each tube 21 is of a size which allows a wasp to move through the tube 21 to access feed within the tube 21. Each tube 21 is filled with a semisolid wasp feed. The feeding grid 20 structure provides an ideal surface for foraging wasps to land and feed from. The feeding grid 20 is formed by intersecting horizontal panels 26 and vertical panels 27 within the framework 14 forming an array of rectangular section tubes 21 .

[0066] A plurality of the cartridges 12 are mounted spaced-apart on a cradle 22 having a top plate 23 and bottom plate 24 which engage the top wall 15 and bottom wall 16 respectively of each wasp feed cartridge 12 to secure the wasp feed cartridges 12 in an upright spaced-apart parallel orientation on the cradle 22. Fig. 2 shows a cradle 22 comprising three stacks of wasp feed cartridges 12 and two vertically spaced- apart intermediate plates 25 to provide a stack of eighteen wasp feed cartridges 12 on the cradle 22.

[0067] Referring in particular to Fig. 1 , the housing 2 is an upright structure having a rectangular base 30 with an outwardly extending flanged mounting plate 31 having through holes 32 at each corner for securing the mounting plate 31 , by mounting bolts or rivets (not shown), to a horizontal support surface, such as the ground or a flat roof.

[0068] Upstanding side walls 33 extend upwardly from the base 30, upper ends of which are connected by a rectangular top 34. Wasp access vents 3 are provided at an upper end of each side wall 33, typically 4 or 5 metres above the base 30 when the housing 2 is mounted on the ground.

[0069] A technical access hatch 35 is provided in a side wall 33 at a lower end of the housing 2 and incorporates an adjustable air intake vent 36. A number of UVC luminaires 37 are mounted within the housing 2 and are operable at night to sanitise the internal structure and components within the housing 2.

[0070] Fixed in situ via the planar base mounting plate 31 , the height of the unit provides 360° wasp access vents 3 safely above areas of human interaction and is therefore suitable for ground level installation. The 360° wasp access vents 3 allow a bidirectional free flow of wasps to and from the wasp feed module 4. The wasp feed module 4 is inserted via the technical access hatch 35 and attached to the hanging cable 9 and raised up to the desired operational height within the housing 2, being fixed in situ adjacent the wasp access vents 3 at a top of the housing 2.

[0071] Situated internally, the vapour dispensing device 6 such as atomizer, vaporizer or similar technology is occasionally operable to disperse wasp attractant aromas out through the 360° wasp access vents 3 to accelerate the wasp attractive process. The adjustable air intake vent 36 at the base of the technical access hatch 35 provides upward internal air flow. The UVC luminaries 37 mounted within the housing 2 operate by night to sanitize the internal structure and components.

[0072] In operation, the wasp feed module 4 is inserted into the wasp feeding station 1 suspended on the hanger cable 9 with inline weight scale sensor 10 and indicator 11 . The inline weight scale sensor 10 actively monitors feed supply quantity as it is consumed by wasps.

[0073] Once the wasp feed supply is near depleted to a defined low measurement, the indicator 11 automatically sends an alert notification via Wi-Fi, mobile network, Bluetooth or similar communication technology to a remote receiving device, such as a mobile phone 13 or computer to notify for due replacement of the wasp feed supply. The wasp feed supply is then replaced as required.

[0074] Referring now to Fig. 6, there is shown another wasp feed module according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case, the wasp feed module 40 comprises a wasp feed jelly block 41 mounted on a rectangular support plate 42 with an upwardly extending plate support cable or rod 43 suspended within the housing 2 by the hanger cable 9 as previously described. The wasp feed jelly block 41 is produced using 3D printing technology, moulding technologies or other suitable processes.

[0075] Referring now to Fig. 7, there is shown another wasp feed module according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case, the cradle 22, with the wasp feed cartridges 12, is supported within the housing 2 on a weight scale sensor plate 51 forming the weighing device with associated indicator 11 . With this wasp feed module 50 the feed supply quantity and alert notification both function as described earlier. This wasp feed module 50 is suited for use in other wasp feeding stations 1 as an alternative to the wasp feed module 4 described previously.

[0076] Referring now to Fig. 8, there is shown another wasp feed module, according to another embodiment of the invention, and indicated generally by the reference numeral 54. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. This is similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 6, however, in this case, the wasp feed jelly block 41 is mounted on the weight scale sensor plate 51 . With this wasp feed module 54 the feed supply quantity and alert notification both function as described earlier. This wasp feed module 54 is suited for use in other wasp feeding stations 1 .

[0077] Fig. 9 to Fig. 12 shows various arrangements for mounting the housing 2 on a number of different supports. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0078] Fig. 9 shows the housing 2 with a horizontal base plate 55 projecting outwardly at a bottom of the housing 2 and having through holes 56 for bolting the base plate 55 to a horizontal support surface, such as the ground or a flat roof, for example. Fig. 10 shows a suspension cable 58 or rod mounted at a top of the housing 2 for hanging the housing 2 from an overhead support. Fig. 11 shows an angled base plate 59 at a bottom of the housing 2 for mounting the housing 2 on a sloped roof or the like.

[0079] Fig. 12 shows a housing 2 with laterally projecting mounting brackets 60 for securing the housing 2 to a wall or the like, for example. Each mounting bracket 60 has a horizontal inner leg 61 projecting outwardly from the housing 2 and terminating in an upright outer leg 62 with through holes 63 for fasteners to secure the outer leg 62 to an upright support surface such as a wall or post.

[0080] Referring now to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, there is shown a wasp feeding station according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case, the wasp feeding station 70 has the housing 2 mounted on a mobile support chassis comprising a semi-trailer 71 having a load bed 75 upon which the housing 2 of the wasp feeding station 70 is mounted. The housing 2 is in two sections, namely, a lower section 72 and an upper section 73. The upper section 73 is hingedly attached to the lower section 72 by a hinge 74 to enable the upper portion 73 of the housing 2 to fold on the load bed 75 between an upright operative position, as shown in Fig. 13, and a horizontal stored position on the load bed 75, as shown in Fig. 14. In the stored position, an upper end 76 of the housing 2 is supported in an associated upwardly open receiver slot 77 on a support frame 78 at a front end of the semi-trailer 71.

[0081] It will be appreciated that the wasp feed station 70 can be readily easily transported to any desired location with the housing 2 in the folded stored position and subsequently folded up and deployed into the upright operative upright position on the load bed 75 of the semi-trailer 71 for use. This is particularly useful for controlling wasps at temporary events, such as concerts, markets, sporting events and the like.

[0082] A U.V. tracking dye may be added to the semisolid wasp feed to facilitate the tracking of wasp nest locations. An area is then surveyed by night with UV emitting drones and other suitable UV emitting devices to locate wasp nests. A camera system integrated with species recognition and Al technologies can be included in the wasp feeding station 1 to alert for intrusive species and provide scientific data such as wasp population fluctuations. The various wasp feeding station configurations incorporate technologies and processes as described earlier.

[0083] The invention utilizes an insertable semisolid wasp feed with active monitoring of feed quantity and automatic notification for due replacement feed supply. The control system also incorporates a process for tracking wasp nest locations.

[0084] Advantageously, the wasp pest management system of this invention produces wasp pest free environments. The system brings benefit to businesses, organisations, agriculture and society in general and by providing wasp control without causing harm to the ecosystem, the system has a positive impact on biodiversity and the environment.

[0085] In operation the control process clears wasps away from food vendors, dining areas and refuse disposal points. This feeding technology works without causing harm to the insect and removes any requirement for trapping systems. Once it is activated, wasp pest populations seeking carbohydrates feed exclusively from the system. Wasp pest interactions with humans cease and sting rates and wasp complaints are reduced to near zero.

[0086] The invention provides a wasp feeding station that provides an insertable semisolid wasp feed supply, such as a gel, jelly, paste, wax or similar substance, for the consumption and control of wasps, the wasp feed supply is replaceable as required during the control process.

[0087] Advantageously, the quantity of wasp feed is actively monitored by weight, size or other suitable sensor apparatus or device to detect depletion of wasp feed supply. Upon sensing the quantity of wasp feed in the wasp feeding station is at a pre-set low level or near depletion, the monitoring apparatus automatically sends an alert notification via network technology such as Wi-Fi, mobile network or Bluetooth to a remote receiving device, such as a mobile phone or computer to notify for due replenishment of the wasp feed supply.

[0088] The invention also provides a method of providing a semisolid wasp feed in a cartridge, vessel or other suitable containment structure or arrangement that provides an ideal environment and surface for wasps to consume the wasp feed supply. The method may provide a semisolid wasp feed as a jelly block produced using 3D printing technology, moulding technologies or other suitable production processes.

[0089] The invention further provides a method for locating wasp nests with the addition of a UV dye included in the wasp feed supply and surveying an area with UV tracking apparatus such as UV emitting drones and other UV emitting devices.

[0090] The apparatus and method of the invention may also include integrating a camera system with species recognition and Al technologies to alert for intrusive species and provide scientific data such as wasp population fluctuations.

[0091] Conveniently, the invention provides a range of wasp feeding stations suitable for deployment for various applications such as; ground mounting, suspension, side mounting, roof mounting and mobile deployment.

[0092] The invention provides a process for controlling wasps by feeding them with a semisolid wasp feed without causing harm or stress to the insect or to the environment.

[0093] While the housing 2 described herein is of rectangular section it could have other configurations. For example, it could be of cylindrical section.

[0094] The terms “comprise” and “include”, and any variations thereof required for grammatical reasons, are to be considered as interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.

[0095] The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1 . A wasp feeding station (1), comprising: a housing (2), wasp access vents (3) in a side wall (33) of the housing (2), a wasp feed module (4) mounted within the housing (2), a weighing device (5) for weighing the wasp feed module (4), and a vapour dispensing device (6) within or on the housing (2) which is operable for discharging a wasp attractant vapour (7).

2. The wasp feeding station (1) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the wasp feed module (4) is suspended within the housing (2) by a hanger cable (9) which incorporates a weight sensor (10) forming the weighing device.

3. The wasp feeding station (1) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the wasp feed module (50) is supported within the housing (2) on a weight scale sensor plate (51) forming the weighing device.

4. The wasp feeding station (1 ) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wasp feed module (4) comprises a plurality of spaced-apart wasp feed cartridges (12), each wasp feed cartridge (12) comprising a rectangular outer framework (14) within which is mounted a feeding grid (20) having a plurality of open-ended tubes (21) for reception of wasp feed, the wasp feed cartridges (12) being mounted spaced-apart on a cradle (22) which is supported within the housing (2) by the weighing device.

5. The wasp feeding station (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wasp feed module (40) comprises a wasp feed jelly block (41) mounted on a support plate (42) and mounted within the housing (2) by the weighing device.

6. The wasp feeding station (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a UVC luminaire (37) is mounted within the housing (2).

7. The wasp feeding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wasp access vents (3) are provided at an upper end of the housing (2) and an air intake vent (36) is provided in a side wall of the housing (2) below the wasp access vents (3).

8. The wasp feeding station as claimed in claim 7, wherein the air intake vent (36) is adjustable.

9. The wasp feeding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a horizontal base plate (55) is mounted at a lower end of the housing projecting outwardly therefrom.

10. The wasp feeding station as claimed in any one claims 1 to 8, wherein an angled base plate (59) is mounted at a lower end of the housing projecting outwardly therefrom.

11. The wasp feeding station as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a suspension cable (58) is mounted at a top of the housing for hanging the housing on a support.

12. The wasp feeding station as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one or more mounting brackets (60) project outwardly at a side of the housing for mounting the housing on a support.

13. The wasp feeding station (70) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (2) is mounted on a mobile support chassis.

14. The wasp feeding station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the housing is foldable on the support chassis between an upright operative position and a horizontal stored position on the support chassis (71).

15. The wasp feeding station (70) as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the support chassis is a semi-trailer (71).

16. The wasp feeding station as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the mobile support chassis comprises a semi-trailer (71) having a load bed (75) upon which the housing (2) of the wasp feeding station (70) is mounted., the housing (2) being in two sections, namely, a lower section (72) and an upper section (73), the upper section (73) is hingedly attached to the lower section (72) by a hinge (74) to enable the upper portion (73) of the housing (2) to fold on the load bed (75) between an upright operative position and a horizontal stored position on the load bed (75), and when in the stored position, an upper end (76) of the housing (2) is supported in an associated upwardly open receiver slot (77) on a support frame (78) at a front end of the semi-trailer (71).

17. The wasp feeding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wasp feed is a semisolid wasp feed such as a gel, jelly, paste, wax or similar substance for the consumption and control of wasps.

18. The wasp feeding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a monitor is provided which is operable to monitor the quantity of wasp feed to detect depletion of wasp feed supply.

19. The wasp feeding station as claimed in claim 18, wherein the monitor is operable such that on or near near depletion of wasp feed supply the monitor automatically sends an alert notification via network technology such as WiFi, mobile network or Bluetooth to a receiving device, such as a mobile phone or computer to notify for due replacement of the wasp feed supply.

20. The wasp feeding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wasp feed jelly block is produced using 3D printing technology or a moulding technology.

21. The wasp feeding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a UV dye is included in the wasp feed supply.

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