Wasps

European Wasp

Asian Paper Wasp

Wasp Identification

Information on other pest animals, plants and insects   

European Wasp

European wasp (Vespula germanica) is one of the most invasive of 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.

The European Wasp annual report 2011 (pdf 341kb)

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 7,000 new queens per nest.

European wasp nests occur primarily in the ground and 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. If stung, the recommended first aid for a wasp 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.

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. 

If you find a wasp nest on government land, contact XCS Consulting European Wasp Hotline on 6162 1914 or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.

Asian paper Wasp

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 were 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 Identification

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 then European wasps with a thinner abdoman.

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