Wasps


The European wasp (Vespula germanica) is one of the most invasive insect pests globally, with major incursions in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, the USA and Canada. Because this social wasp species thrives in suburbia as well as wilderness areas, it has a profound impact on humans as well as the environment.

European wasps are bright yellow and black, with bright yellow legs. They are predominantly black on their front with bright yellow markings, and bright yellow on their back with black stripes, and black dots between the stripes down each side of the abdomen, sometimes joining the stripes.

Wasp nests are established by single queens in spring, and by mid-autumn successful nests are busy rearing the new generation with a potential output of over 1,000 new queens per nest.

European wasp nests

European wasp nests occur primarily in the ground and are easily sighted due to the constant wasp activity above the nest, although the entrance hole may be well hidden amongst vegetation. Wasps also build nests in the cavity of walls and roof spaces of buildings and will excavate the plaster board to extend the space for their nest. Nests in buildings can also be identified by a constant stream of wasps going to and from a particular location.

European wasps are attracted to sweet drinks, food, insects and pet food, and will also forage on road kill. Residents are advised to feed their pets indoors if wasps are present. European wasps can be very aggressive if disturbed.

Entrance Hole to wasp nest

The ACT Government treats European wasp nests on ACT Government land. If a wasp nest is on your property, it is your responsibility to have it removed by a qualified pest control operator. People should not attempt to treat the nest themselves as they risk being stung.

Reporting of wasps on ACT Government land

Report a wasp nest or sighting on ACT Government land, please submit your request using this European Wasp, Ants or Bees Report form.

You will receive a submission notification with your reference code.

For enquiries regarding your submission, please contact Access Canberra 13 22 81 (Quoting your reference code).

Timing for removal of the wasp nest

The team will endeavour to investigate and control European wasp nests on ACT Government land within 5-10 business days, and we will respond to other enquiries as soon as possible.

Priority will be given to control identified European wasp nests before investigating sightings or nuisance wasp incursions where the nest location is unknown. When a request is received, it is prioritised based on various factors such as public safety, resources availability and the need for further information or investigation.

Once the nest is removed the team will notify you by email or phone to inform that the job is complete.

Removal of wasp on private land

If a wasp nest is on your property, it is your responsibility to have it removed by a qualified pest control operator. People should not attempt to treat the nest themselves as they risk being stung.

For more information call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

The Asian Paper wasp, Polistes chinensis antennalis, was discovered for the first time in Canberra in 2010 and its presence confirmed during 2011 with sightings in Pialligo, Fyshwick and Kingston. This Paper wasp species is considered highly invasive when introduced to new geographical areas, especially in urban environments. It was introduced accidentally to New Zealand in 1979 and has spread and become common throughout both the North and South islands. It has also become established on Norfolk Island and in some inner Sydney suburbs. Its native range includes China, Korea, Japan and Mongolia.

The Asian Paper wasp competes with native insects for food and can significantly reduce populations of prey species such as butterflies and may impact adversely on pollinator species. However, they also collect caterpillars of pest species to feed their brood. This wasp may compete with honeybees and native birds at nectar and honeydew sources. It will compete directly with the local Australian native Paper wasp, Polistes humilis, which has similar nesting and feeding habits.

Because it builds its nests on man-made structures as well as hidden in bushes, trees and shrubs, the Asian Paper wasp species is considered a significant public nuisance by stinging people when nests are disturbed. In an Auckland survey, the greatest numbers of insect stings recorded was by the Asian Paper wasp species.

The nests of Polistes chinensis antennalis are similar to those constructed by the local Paper wasp, Polistes humilis, but the adults are a vivid black and yellow color compared with the dull brown of the native Paper wasp species.

wasp and bee identification chart

The common honey bee appears bulkier than wasps with fatter legs and a fuzzy dull yellow/brown appearance.

European wasps have prominent black and yellow stripes with black spots down their abdomen

Asian Paper wasps appear more black than European wasps with a thinner abdomen.

Paper wasps are similar in size and shape to the Asian paper wasp but are brown in colour.

If stung, the recommended first aid for a wasp or bee sting is an ice pack to reduce the pain and swelling. However, if people are stung in the mouth, experience difficulty in breathing, or develop an itchy rash, seek medical help immediately.

View more information on other pest animals, plants and insects.

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.