Dalhousie University’s researchers are seeking help from the public in Nova Scotia to locate abandoned paper wasp nests as the winter snow melts. The team, led by environmental science undergraduate student Carlie Ashton, aims to analyze the nests for potential heavy metal contamination.

Ashton’s study focuses on two species of wasps, aerial yellowjackets, and bald-faced hornets, known for constructing their nests using wood or plant fibers they collect from their surroundings. She anticipates that nests in urban areas may show higher levels of copper and chromium, common wood preservatives, compared to those in rural settings due to the materials the wasps encounter.

Individuals who come across abandoned wasp nests are encouraged to reach out to Ashton to contribute to the research. As winter causes the wasps to perish, leaving only mated queens in hiding, the nests can be found in various locations such as barns, sheds, or trees. Ashton aims to gather all specimens by May to coincide with the wasps’ nest-building season.

Despite potential wear and tear on the nests post-winter, Ashton plans to dry and analyze them for heavy metal content. This research, focusing on these particular wasp species in Canada, is crucial in understanding the impact of contaminants on insect populations. Assistant professor Paul Manning, one of Ashton’s project supervisors, highlights the significance of determining the presence and levels of contaminants to assess the pressures insects face amid global declines in insect populations.

While the study does not directly address the effects of contamination on wasps, previous research suggests that copper exposure could impact the lifespan and reproductive abilities of the insects. Manning emphasizes the importance of comprehending the various stresses on insects, including habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, to support their survival in today’s challenging environment.