European Wasps

The European Wasp is an introduced species and therefore does not have natural predators in Australia to keep their numbers low.

European wasps are a pest because they are far more aggressive than native wasps. Lack of predators and warmer weather conditions mean that the European wasp is an increasing problem in Australia.

Identifying European Wasp Activity

European Wasps have yellow and black bodies, and yellow legs - different from the honey bee which has black legs. They will commonly fly around human food sources such as pet food bowls or at a bar-b-q or picnic in ever-increasing numbers as numbers build up over spring and summer as more wasp nests are established.

European wasps can build their nests underground and in trees as well as under, or in the walls of, houses. The nests look like grey cardboard and are usually about the size of a football. European Wasp nests reach their maximum size in autumn.

Individual wasps are known to hibernate during winter under tree bark, among dead leaves, in wood piles and building materials if they are caught away from their hive when temperatures drop. Always wear gloves when handling these materials during autumn, winter and early spring. Individual wasps are usually very docile in winter while hibernating and are easier to kill in this state using a stick or club.

Never use your bare hands.

Preventing European Wasp Activity

Prevention can include simple things such as:

Avoiding leaving food around such as pet food which will attract wasps and encourage to nest nearby
Pick up any fallen fruit
Do not leave open soft drink or beer cans unattended, wasps may fly in and sting you as you drink from the can.
Sealing any holes in building walls
Using commercial baits.

NEVER disturb a European Wasp nest - even in winter. You can be attacked and painfully stung multiple times.

Controlling European Wasps

The only way to control European Wasps is to destroy their nest. Follow the advice below to destroy European Wasp nests.


Location	Responsibility	Contact/Action
Your Property	The resident	Contact a licensed pest controller to remove the nest. The only way to control European wasps is to destroy their nests, which needs to be undertaken by a licensed pest controller.
Your Neighbour’s Property	Your neighbour	Speak to the property owner about your observations. Direct them to this page for information. If the problem continues, contact Council
Council Property	Council	Contact Council
Power Pole	United Energy	Notify United Energy
Telecommunications Pit	The telecommunications company that owns the pit	Report the nest to the faults line of the telecommunications company

Getting Stung by a European Wasp

European wasp stings cause immediate, intense pain and swelling because the wasps can sting multiple times.

If someone is stung:

Wash The Sting Area

Place the affected area under cool running water for a few minutes. Thoroughly clean the site using soap to remove any bacteria or venom left behind by the wasp.

Apply Cold Pack

Using a thin cloth, wrap ice or cold pack and apply it to the sting site for about 30 to 60 minutes. Do it in intervals of 10 minutes on and off.

Applying a cold pack help reduce the swelling and lessen the pain of the wasp sting.

Take Anti-inflammatory Medication

Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Ibuprofen to reduce swelling at the sting site.

Apply Antihistamine

Itchiness is one common symptom of a wasp sting. It can happen at the sting site and its surrounding area, depending on the spread of the bacteria. Apply an antihistamine or calamine cream to the entire red and swollen area to relieve itchiness from the sting. It can provide temporary pain relief from the wasp sting.

Seek Medical Advice

If a European Wasp sting inflames areas of skin around the site of the sting or swelling or redness appear to spread or the area appears to be infected, seek medical advice.

NOTE: If you think someone is experiencing anaphylaxis after an insect bite or sting, use an adrenaline autoinjector straight away if you have one. Then call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

For more information about insect bites and stings:

Healthdirect

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