City of Regina talks wasp problems, fall recreation programs

Wasps are starting to get more aggressive in Regina as the summer winds down.

Russell Eirich, the City of Regina’s co-ordinator for forestry, pest control and horticulture, said Tuesday that as evenings get cooler and days get shorter, wasps become more aggressive for food.

“We’re getting shorter days which means they’re having more difficulty in trying to feed their own nests which means they’re looking for all that super sugary (and) sweet food,” Eirich said during a media event at the Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre.

Eirich added the best way to control wasps is to eliminate their nests. But residents can also set up their own traps by putting a sweet liquid, like pop, into a bottle. The wasps will fly in but not be able to escape.

It’s only the beginning of the aggressive wasp cycle now, and the city has treated just three nests.

Although city crews treat wasp nests on public property, they will not respond to requests at residential properties.

Wasps can be expected to stick around for a while, as they stay active until freezing occurs.

Eirich also discussed aphids, which eat up the juices of leaves on elm trees and secrete a sap-like substance.

The aphid sap can stick to vehicles parked under elm trees, but Eirich said it washes off easily with soap and water.

Aphids usually attract a number of wasps and ants to elm trees.

City programs taking registrations

The City of Regina opened up its fall registration for kids and adult recreation programs Tuesday.

Non-residents, however, will have to wait until Thursday so that Reginans can have first dibs.

Melissa Coderre, the city’s co-ordinator for business services, said around 5,000 people registered on the first day and programs are already one-third full.

“Several swimming lesson programs are already full, especially since we’re registering for lessons in September and mid-November,” she said. “So if you aren’t getting in for your September lessons, make sure to have a look and sign up for mid-November.”

As another recreation season comes around, so do new programs.

Coderre said there are a few new ones to check out this fall, including “Swimming 101” for beginner adult swimmers, a “Baby and Me” arts and crafts program, as well as prenatal yoga and Nordic pole-walking.

Coderre said she expects around 8,000 or 9,000 enrolments by the end of the week.

Around 36,000 people register every year for the city’s recreation programs.