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Over a period of 39 months, the invasive keyhole wasps (Pachodynerus nasidens) at Brisbane Airport were responsible for 93 cases of completely blocked replica pitot probes – vital instruments that measure relative velocity – according to a study published November 30 in the open access journal PLOS ONE by Alan House of Eco Logical Australia and colleagues. As noted by the authors, the results underscore the importance of risk mitigation strategies, such as covering Pitot probes upon arrival of aircraft and installing additional traps to intercept wasps.
Interactions between aircraft and wildlife are frequent and can have serious financial and safety consequences. But the risk posed by wildlife when planes are on the ground is far less understood, and the specific threats posed by insects have not been quantified before. In the new study, House and his colleagues investigated the possible role of keyhole wasps in obstructing Pitot probes at Brisbane airport. A total of 26 wasp-related problems were reported at the airport between November 2013 and April 2019, along with a number of serious security incidents involving Pitot probes. In its native area in South and Central America and the Caribbean, the wasp is known for building nests using artificial cavities, such as window slots, electrical outlets, and of course keyholes.
The researchers used 3D printing technology to build a series of Pitot probe replicas, which they mounted at four locations around the airport. All nests in these probes were made by keyhole wasps and the nesting spike occurred in the summer months. Successful nesting (i.e. the proportion of nests producing live adults) was optimal between 24 and 31 ° C and probes with apertures over 3 mm in diameter were preferred. Most of the nests were built in an airport area. The proportion of grassy areas within 1000 m of probes was a significant predictor of nesting, and the volume of the nest in Pitot probes can determine the sex of emerging wasps. According to the authors, P. nasidens poses a significant risk to aviation safety and further work is warranted to develop strategies for the control or eradication of persistent populations of this adaptable, inventive and highly mobile species.
The authors add, “We hope this research brings attention to a little-known but serious problem with air travel in tropical and subtropical regions. Having found its way across the Pacific Ocean, there is no reason to doubt that it may spread to other parts of Australia. The consequences of not managing this intelligent but dangerous pest could be considerable. “
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