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European Wasp Information

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 you feel confident 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 when disturbed by animals or humans. All female-stinging wasps can defend themselves and their nests by using their ovipositor to inject venom. Males do not have a stinger.

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?

Wasps generally sting only to defend their nest and they will not sting away from the nest unless provoked. However, some people seem to get attacks from wasps without aggravating them. Small wasp nests tend to be less aggressive than larger ones and the extent of the attack will depend on the extent of the disturbance to the nest. When a nest is disturbed, wasps will fly out with a wing beat frequency that stimulates other wasps to fly out of the nest and 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.

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.
• Don't swat or annoy wasps that are hovering around food, as wasps are attracted to moving objects.

To avoid wasps coming onto your property, there are a few measures that can be taken:

• Keep compost heaps and rubbish bins covered at all times,
• Remove old or damaged fruit if you have any fruit trees in your garden,
• Cover birdbaths and fish ponds.

Tips on treating a Wasp Nest

• If you think you are allergic to bees or wasps, do not attempt to treat the wasp nest yourself.
• Treat with an insecticide dust which can be purchased from hardware stores.
• Always treat the nest at night when the wasps are least active.
• Use a torch covered with red cellophane, as wasps cannot see the red colour and won't be attracted to it.
• Cover yourself fully to minimise the chance of getting stung.
• Approach the nest quietly, point the insecticide dust down the entrance hole and give several good puffs or shakes.
• After a day or two, activity at the nest should cease. If wasps continue to be active after four to five days, reapply the dust.
• The hole can be filled in after a few days. Once the nest has been destroyed, there is no need to remove it.

Insecticide Dust/Spray

The actual choice of a suitable insecticide depends on the location of the nest. A number of products are approved for use against wasp nests in Victoria. It is important to read the directions on the label before use. Try your local hardware store for the following products currently available:

• Wasp and Nest Killer (spray)
• Tomato Dust
• Wasp Spray
• Ant & Roach Dust

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.

Further Information

If you require further information please call the the Department of Sustainability and Environment on 13 61 86.

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Updated: 11 February 2008

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