D3239: Preliminary study of pear ester toxicity when consumed by Polistes dominula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

A previous investigation of Polistes behavior found that a portion of wasps died after consuming a solution of pear ester, a compound commonly found in fruits that is considered non-toxic to humans. The goal of our study was to corroborate those preliminary observations and investigate the toxicity of pear ester to Polistes dominula (Christ). Two experiments were performed. Although results confirmed that ingestion of pear ester causes death or paralysis of P. dominula, there was no clear relationship between volume of ingested pear ester and wasp morbidity. About 80% of P. dominula were unaffected by pear ester despite consuming large quantities of the solution. This is the first study to demonstrate lethal effects of pear ester compound and may indicate its potential as an insecticide for paper wasps.