The European Wasp (Vespula germanica) is native to Europe, Northern Africa and temperate Asia and has become established in many other places around the world. Outside its natural habitat, it is a serious social, environmental and agricultural pest.
While it can be found in some parts of Australia and fertilised wasp queens are reaching Western Australia, every sighting in Western Australia has been successfully eradicated so far.
European Wasps are aggressive scavenging and predatory pests that live in rural and urban areas. They are opportunistic and feed upon fruit, human and pet food, insects and carrion.
The European Wasp is a declared pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 and must be reported for eradication if found in Western Australia. They can be distinguished from native wasps by their behaviour (such as scavenging on human food and drinks and pet food, flying in and out of a single hole in the ground and flying with raised legs) and distinctive physical characteristics (including black antennae).
The European wasp surveillance and eradication program (Adopt-a-trap) is coordinated by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
Do not try to remove or treat European wasp nests yourself. They are however commonly confused with the paper wasp so please refer to this identification guide before you call to be sure they are not the common paper wasp.
A paper wasp nest can be removed by the householder using a good quality outdoor surface insect spray to douse the nest, after the sun has set, as this is when the wasps are least active. It is recommended to wear full sleeves and trousers as a precaution, as these wasps are capable of administering a painful sting. If you are not comfortable removing the nest yourself please contact a pest control operator for assistance. Further information is available on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPRID).
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