Springtime in Canberra means warmer weather, Floriade, and the reappearance of creepy crawlies such as wasps. In this blog post, we answer commonly asked questions about wasps in Canberra.

Which wasp species are problematic in Canberra?

There are four wasp species in Canberra that cause problems: the European wasp (Vespula germanica), the common paper wasp (Polistes humilis), the yellow jacket wasp (Vespula spp.), and the Asian paper wasp (Polistes chinensis).

What does a wasp nest look like?

Wasp nests in Canberra tend to have a honeycomb appearance or resemble a circular blob (with striations). They’re usually built from clay, mud, and a papery pulp that the wasps produce themselves (by chewing leaves and wood). European wasps tend to build their nests in the ground.

How easy is it to find a wasp nest?

Unfortunately, wasp nests aren’t always easy to find. Many “internal” nests reside in wall cavities and roofs – meaning that a pest controller can spend hours trying to locate the nest. Once the nest is located and destroyed, the property owner needs to find and repair all the entry points into the roof or wall cavity (to ensure that reinfestation doesn’t occur).

When do wasps breed in Canberra?

As a general rule, wasps start breeding in spring and finish up in late summer / early autumn. The long breeding season makes wasps, especially European wasps, a menace in Canberra.

What are the signs of a wasp infestation?

A nest is the most obvious sign of a wasp infestation in Canberra. Other signs of possible infestation are higher wasp numbers around the home and damaged timber (chew marks on architraves, skirting boards, plaster walls, and furniture).

Why does the European wasp get such a bad rap in Canberra?

European wasps are highly aggressive and can sting repeatedly. They also breed heavily and typically situate their nests in the ground – making them accessible to small children and unsuspecting gardeners. As an introduced species, European wasps have no natural predators in Australia.

Are wasps venomous?

Yes, they are. Wasps inject venom when they sting. The venom usually causes a minor skin reaction (local pain and swelling); however, some people have an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Given the ability of wasps to sting repeatedly, a wasp nest should be dealt with by a professional pest controller in Canberra.

Do wasps ever go looking for trouble?

Wasps go looking for food, which means they sometimes turn up at barbeques, rubbish bins, and pet food bowls. Consequently, all potential sources of food (including scraps) need to be secured.

Is DIY pest control for wasps advisable?

DIY pest control for wasps is okay – provided wasp numbers are low and European wasps aren’t involved. Large nests and European wasps usually require the services of a pest controller in Canberra.

To learn more about the control of wasps in Canberra or to book a service call, please call us on 1300 022 122.