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Wasps’ behaviour changes in late summer as their preferred food shifts from sugars to proteins. Because of this, you will more likely encounter them wherever food is consumed outdoors and around garbage collection areas.
If you notice large numbers of wasps in your home or garden, there is likely to be a wasp nest nearby. It may be in your house, in your garden or very close by. A mature nest in summer/autumn can contain thousands of wasps. When they do attack, most wasps including yellow jackets are aggressive and will sting repeatedly.
Paper wasps: This is an open nest with hexagonal cells. It usually has an umbrella shape and may contain fewer than 100 paper wasps.
Bees: Bee hives are recognisable by their distinctive waxy appearance.
Yellow jacket wasps: You can spot a yellow jacket wasp nest by the activity around the nest. You’ll see wasps going back and forth to a concealed location. These nests can contain thousands of wasps!
Always remain still if a wasp approaches you.
If you have to run away, do so in a straight line, without flailing your arms.
Protect your head and face, as these areas are mostly likely to be targeted by the wasps.
If you swat at the wasp or swing your arms, you’ll only make it more aggressive and more likely to sting you.
Do not try to fool wasps by “playing dead”. They will simply continue stinging you!
Do not seek shelter in a body of water, as the wasps will simply wait for you to re-emerge.
The following tips can help you avoid painful wasp stings:
It is important to treat a wasp nest as soon as possible. Removing a wasp nest is a complex process and requires professional help. To avoid the risk of painful wasp stings (and possible allergic reactions), we strongly advise you not to try to remove a wasp nest yourself. Remember, you could cause serious injury to yourself or others if you provoke the wasps in the nest.
If you notice a wasp nest in your property, contact us for expert advice and immediate assistance to avoid a larger infestation. We’re happy to help you!
The name “paper wasps” typically refers to members of the vespid subfamily Polistinae, though it often colloquially includes members of the subfamilies Vespinae (hornets and yellow jackets) and Stenogastrinae, which also make nests out of paper. Approximately 300 species species of Polistes paper wasps have been identified have been identified worldwide.
There are two kinds of paper wasp, both being fairly common in most parts of Australia. The wasps which build a rather long narrow nest hanging in a tree or shrub are Rhopalidia paper wasps.
The second kind of paper wasps, called Polistes, make a nest the shape of an inverted wine glass or an upside-down crumpet. Polistes build their nests under eaves and around windows. If the nest is outside a closed or screened window, it’s a good safe way to watch the wasps going about their daily lives, as these wasps can sting if disturbed.
Most wasps are beneficial in their natural habitat, and are critically important in natural biocontrol. Paper wasps feed on nectar and other insects, including caterpillars, flies, and beetle larvae. Because they are a known pollinator and feed on known garden pests, paper wasps are often considered to be beneficial by gardeners.
Polistine paper wasps will generally only attack if they themselves or their nest are threatened. Since their territoriality can lead to attacks on people, and because their stings are quite painful and can produce a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction in some individuals, nests in human-inhabited areas may present an unacceptable hazard.
Scientific Name: Vespula germanica
Classification
Species germanica Genus Vespula Subfamily Vespinae Family Vespidae Super Family Vespoidea Suborder Apocrita Order Hymenoptera Class Insecta Subphylum Uniramia Phylum Arthopoda Kingdom Animalia
Size Range
1.2 cm – 1.6 cm
The European wasp, Vespula germanica, is an established pest in Australia. This non-native wasp was first found in Australia in 1959 in Tasmania. By 1978 they were also known in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, and are now firmly established in the Sydney area.
European wasp.
Characteristics of the European wasp:
Similar in size and shape to a bee
12mm – 16mm in length (a queen is about 20mm long)
Bright yellow body with black triangle-shaped markings
Yellow legs
Two long black antennae
Wings folded when at rest.
European wasps are a stout wasp with a bright yellow and black banded abdomen, and a pair of black spots on each yellow band.
They have two pairs of clear wings with the first pair larger.
They have black antennae and fly with their legs held close to the body.
European wasps are found in large communal nests, normally only visible as a small entrance hole.
They are normally built either underground or in cavities in walls, ceilings, logs or trees.
The nests are made from chewed wood fibre and can be found in ceilings, wall cavities, logs, tree trunks and soil.
The European wasp is a native of Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor.
They are now firmly established in metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas.
Workers of the European wasp leave the nest in search of food, and are attracted to meats, sweet food and drink.
European wasp colonies are started in spring by a single fertilised queen, which lays an egg in a number of cells in the nest.
These hatch into grub-like larvae and are tended by the queen for a number of weeks.
They become the first batch of workers that take over nest construction and rearing of the larvae while the queen concentrates on laying eggs.
The nest grows throughout the summer until a batch of males and new queens are hatched in the autumn. These mate and fly off to start new nests.
Each nest usually lasts one year but in warmer climates the nest may survive and expand. In Winter the males die off and the newly fertilised queen hibernates to build a new nest the following spring.
The queen lays eggs in the cells of the nest and the larva hatch from each egg in about 6-8 days. The larvae are tended to by the queen for a number of weeks.
The larva grows in a series of stages (instars). Five instars are completed before the larva encases itself in a cocoon. The total larval development time is 9-22 days, depending on the temperature and availability of food.
When fully fed, the larva spins a cocoon within its cell using silk secreted by its salivary glands. Inside the cocoon this larva/pupa develops into an adult, this takes 7-9 days. They become the first batch of workers that take over the construction of the nest and rearing of the larvae while the queen lays eggs.
In order for the colony to survive, the adult workers must perform a large number of tasks both inside and outside the nest. Workers start as nurse wasps, they then progress to collecting nesting materials and fluids and finally to foraging for solid food for the larvae; the older wasps guard the nest entrance. Worker wasps live for a number of weeks.
Towards the end of the season, in Autumn, the worker wasps build larger cells in which the next generation of several hundred queens and males is reared. When fully developed, these individuals mate and fly off to start new nests. In Europe the nest then disintegrates, but in Australia’s warm climate the nest can continue to grow over a number of seasons. This can result in giant and potentially dangerous nests of over 100,000 wasps.
There are many harmless and beneficial native wasp species which are commonly mistaken for European wasps. In particular the European wasp and the native yellow paper wasp are very similar in size.
Native wasps, including paper wasps, are considered beneficial because they assist in pollination by feeding on nectar, and they control pest populations, such as caterpillars, by feeding them to their larvae. Paper wasps, however, should not be allowed to develop in or near the home because they may attack if they feel their nest is threatened.
As the picture above shows, paper wasps are longer and thinner than European wasps and they have orange-brown antennae (European wasps have all black antennae). Paper wasps back legs dangle down during flight and they are often seen hovering around bushes, over lawns and around water sources. European wasps on the other hand have legs that are held close to their bodies during flight and they fly very quickly and generally do not hover.
The great majority of Australian wasp species don’t live in colonies, being solitary and nesting in the ground or in a crack or crevice, and they don’t attack humans. If the nest is safely out of reach it should be left alone.
Paper wasp nests are usually above ground and are golf ball to side plate size while European wasp nests are rarely seen and can be the size of a basketball or larger.
Towards the end of summer, several larger cells are constructed, in which a new generation of queens develop. Males also develop, and mate with the queens outside the nest before they die.
In late autumn the original queen dies, and the new queens disperse to find suitable over-wintering sites before forming a new nest in spring.
In Europe the old nest then disintegrates and the dispersed queens hibernate in sheltered spots beneath loose tree bark or in roofs. A hibernating queen holds on to the substrate with her jaws, and tucks her legs, wings and antennae beneath her, remaining immobile for up to six months.
It is significant that in the warmer climate of Australia, one of the new queens may stay in the nest and begin laying eggs, without the usual over-wintering period being observed. Over several seasons, this can result in giant and potentially dangerous nests of over 100,000 wasps.
Wasps are aggressive and removing wasps can be dangerous call Melbourne Pest Solutions and one of our helpful professional technicians will remove the wasp nest for you.
The best method of wasp control is to locate the nest, or nests, in the surrounding area and eradicate them using an insecticide registered for the purpose. It is recommended that treatment of the nest occurs early in the morning or at night when wasps are less active.
When dealing with European wasps it is important to wear protective clothing and a bee veil. Be aware that a torch/ head torch without a red filter may attract wasps. You can cover a torch’s light with red cellophane secured with a rubber band.
European wasps make their nests from chewed wood pulp and saliva giving the nest walls a distinctive papery look. Nests constructed of mud are not European wasp nests. Nests are usually built in sheltered locations.
About 80% of European wasp nests will occur in the ground with the remainder usually found inside buildings. Nests will often resemble footballs.
In order for a wasp nest to be controlled the nest must first be located. The European wasp may forage for food up to half a kilometre away from its nest. You might need to seek the cooperation of neighbours to locate the nest.
European wasps can be tracked back to their nest by placing food (for example meat or pet food) in a visible outdoor location. Once it has located the food source, the wasp will fly virtually in a straight line back to its nest. If necessary, keep relocating the food source until you see the wasp fly into its nest.
In the ground
Any concealed site
Holes dug in the ground
Around the base of trees or along hedges
Within retaining walls
In rockeries
In rubbish heaps or under disused rubbish (for example: old dog houses or pieces of furniture)
In an uncovered compost heap or grass clippings.
In the roof
In the wall cavity
In sheltered parts of a building.
European wasps are more aggressive than bees and will attack when their nests are disturbed.
Unlike bees, wasps can sting more than once, and do not die after stinging.
The sting causes a burning pain and swelling. If stings are multiple, a more severe systemic reaction may occur.
In some individuals, wasp, bee and ant stings can cause an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), but this is relatively uncommon.
Effective treatment is available, which involves known bee/ant/wasp sting allergy sufferers carrying a special kit when outdoors. Immunotherapy or desensitisation is also available, and can reduce the severity of the allergy.
Seven deaths over a twenty-year period attributed to wasp stings have been recorded in Australia, mainly amongst known allergy sufferers who were not carrying their preventative medicine with them.
A cold pack may be used to relieve the pain of the sting.
If there is evidence of a more severe reaction or the sting victim is known to be allergic to wasp and bee venom, medical attention should be sought immediately.
The following advice can be provided to people experiencing a wasp problem:
Do not leave fallen fruit or food scraps lying around the yard
Avoid leaving uneaten pet food or dog bones outside
Make sure rubbish bins have tight fitting lids
Keep compost covered at all times
Keep swimming pools covered when not in use
Cover exposed food at picnics and barbeques
Don’t drink out of cans or bottles, use clear containers or a straw.
Symptoms of stings will vary from person to person depending on their tolerance. The majority of people without allergies to insect stings will show only minor symptoms during and after a wasp sting.
A wasp can call other colony members using a scent chemical (pheromone) to help defend the nest from a potential threat. Unlike honeybees, which have a barbed stinger and can only sting once, European wasps can sting multiple times. The stinger contains several toxins, which may cause hypersensitive or allergic reactions in some people.
The initial sensations of a wasp sting can include sharp pain or burning at the sting site followed by a raised welt around the perimeter. A tiny white mark may be visible in the middle of the welt where the stinger punctured the skin. Usually the pain and swelling recedes within a few hours of being stung. The sting usually causes far more discomfort than a bee sting.
Larger local reactions to wasp stings can include extreme redness and swelling that increases for one or two days after being stung and subsides on their own, over the course of a week or so. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek further medical advice.
A small percentage of people will experience anaphylaxis from wasp stings. For any life threatening symptoms such as anaphylactic shock immediately call
Scientific Name: Vespula spp.
Yellowjackets are social insects that live in nests or colonies with up to 4,000 workers. They are most active in the late summer and early autumn when a colony is at its peak. Yellowjackets feed on sweets and proteins, and therefore these pests commonly invade outdoor events.
Yellow jackets can be found anywhere humans are found. They build paper carton nests out of chewed up cellulose, which are usually found in the ground or in cavernous areas such as eaves and roof voids.
Yellowjacket stings pose significant health threats to humans, as they are territorial and will sting if threatened. They are known to sting repeatedly and can cause allergic reactions. Yellowjackets and other stinging insects send thousands of people to the emergency room each year.
Looking to get rid of yellowjackets? Call a Melbourne Pest Solutions professional if you suspect yellowjacket activity on the property. Because of their tendency to sting when threatened, yellowjacket control requires specialized equipment and safety precautions. Homeowners should remove garbage frequently, keep trashcans covered, and ensure all doors and windows have screens that are in good condition. People should also avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes and the scent attracts yellowjackets.
Scientific Name: Polistes spp.
Paper wasps get their common name from the paper-like material out of which they make their nests. Paper wasps are sometimes called umbrella wasps, after the shape of their distinctive nests.
Paper wasps are a group of several species of vespid wasp. These stinging insects are semi-social creatures, as they typically live in small colonies but do not have a worker caste. There are hudreds of known paper wasp species in the world. Some additional species of this type of insect include the annularis paper wasp, apache paper wasp, dominulus paper wasp, dorsalis paper wasp and golden paper wasp. Similar groups to paper wasps include yellowjackets and hornets, potter and mason wasps, spider wasps and long waisted paper wasps.
Paper wasps generally have a similar body shape to yellowjackets, but somewhat slimmer with a thin “waist,” with six long legs and an almost triangular side view, as well as two wings and antennae. They are mostly brown with some yellow coloration. Each of the known paper wasp species share similar traits of brown and yellow coloring, but they also have different bands of colors and markings that separate them from one another. Some species of paper wasp may even have hints of bolder colors like red, or even brighter colored lines compared to others.
Paper wasps often build nests in residential yards, so one of the main signs of an infestation is the physical sighting of the nest itself and nearby wasps moving around the nest.
The best way to prevent a paper wasp infestation and the potential of getting stung is to make the home less attractive to the stinging insect. Before trimming shrubs or hedges, or picking fruit, check the plant for paper wasp nests to avoid contact with these stinging insects. Seal cracks and crevices in the home with a silicone-based caulk, repair any tears in screens, and try to keep doors closed to prevent paper wasps from entering the home.
Keeping food covered, especially when outdoors, will also help keep these insects at bay when they are in search of nourishment. When spending time outside, people should avoid wearing strong fragrances and opt for unscented hygienic products. Likewise, they should wear shoes that cover and protect their feet from rogue paper wasps.
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