European Wasps

The most effective way to get rid of a wasp nest is to destroy the nest. If you have European wasps nesting on your property, it is your responsibility to have them removed. To remove the nest you can contact a wasp company by looking under 'P' for Pest Controller in the Yellow Pages. Alternatively, if capable, you can treat the nest yourself. It is important to be cautious when treating the nest and cover up when doing so.

European wasps are attracted to sweet foods and meat. This is why they are commonly a nuisance at outdoor eating venues and barbeques. Unlike bees they do not collect pollen from trees and flowers.

European wasp nests commonly contain several thousand wasps, which can sting a victim repeatedly. All female-stinging wasps can defend themselves and their nests by using their ovipositor to inject venom. Males do not have a stinger.

The simplest way to confirm you have a nest is to see a stream of wasps flying in and around a site. They usually fly within 50 to 200 metres from their nest. The majority of European wasp nests will occur in the ground. During the summer months there is a rapid increase of adult worker bees. During Autumn, wasp nest numbers start to decline.

Identification of a European wasp

European wasps have prominent black and yellow stripes, with black spots down their abdomen and yellow legs. They are approximately 20mm in length and slightly larger than a bee. Wasps are usually thinner and have longer wings and long black antennae.

Honey Bee

Dark yellow-orange and black. Smaller in size, approximately 15mm. Flies slowly making a buzzing noise.

Why do wasps sting?

Generally to defend their nest, and it is rare that they sting away from the nest unless provoked. However, people have been attacked without having caused aggravation. Small wasp nests tend to be less aggressive and the extent of the attack will depend on the disturbance to the nest. When a nest is disturbed, wasps will fly out with a wing beat frequency that stimulates other wasps to attack. They will attack the intruder within approximately seven metres of the nest, and will pay special attention to moving targets. The attack may last up to five minutes, but can be longer in the warmer weather.

Unlike bees, European wasps can sting multiple times making them more dangerous.

First Aid

The sting from a European wasp is more painful than a sting from a bee and can last for several days. The venom from the sting contains several toxins, which may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Wasp stings result in a fiery pain and red swelling.

If bitten, move away from the area as soon as possible. Apply an icepack to the effected area. Stings to the face and neck or multiple stings may lead to severe swelling and or an allergic reaction. If this occurs and the person has difficulty breathing contact an ambulance, hospital or doctor immediately.

Monitor the symptoms to ensure that the reaction to the sting is not worse than normal. A normal reaction involves local pain and swelling which lasts a few hours followed by itching. Products containing anti-inflammatory, anti-itching or pain relief compounds may help reduce the pain, itching and swelling.

Preventing stings

• Cans of drink should be poured into a glass. If a drink must be drunk from a can, a straw should be used. If a person is stung in the throat it will cause swelling and possible choking;
• When eating food outdoors, each mouthful of food should be checked before consumption;
• Wear shoes when walking on the grass; and
• Don't swat or annoy wasps that are hovering around food, as wasps are attracted to moving objects.

Avoiding wasps coming onto your property

There are a few measures that can be taken:

• Keep compost heaps, all garden clippings and rubbish bins covered at all times;
• Remove old or damaged fruit if you have any fruit trees in your garden;
• Remove pet food;
• Cover birdbaths, fish ponds and swimming pools;
• Cover windows and doors with fly screens; and
• Water the garden at night time when wasps are least active.

Wasp nests

European wasps nest in sheltered areas. Nests can be found outdoors in the ground, rockeries, in rubbish heaps or at the base of trees and shrubs. Nests can also be found in the sheltered areas of buildings including in the roofs, walls and under the eaves of houses. Nests are usually light grey in colour and are made from a cardboard-like material. Nests are sometimes football sized or larger and usually only a 2-5cm wide entrance is visible.

Since the European wasp is an introduced species, it does not have natural predators in Australia to keep its numbers in check. In Europe, the cold winters ensure that only the Queen wasp can live, but the warmer climate of Australia means the entire nest can survive.

Removal of European wasps

Removal on private property, contact:
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Ph: 13 61 86
Response time depends on urgency can be immediate to 48 hours.

Removal on Council land, contact:
Council's Service Centre
Ph: 03 8290 1333