Lexi Webster
Wasp nest removal is essential if you notice these flying insects near your home. Wasps are less aggressive than bees, but their sting can be painful and annoying, and they can sting multiple times. The first step in any wasp removal process involves locating the nest. The most common wasps in Australia are European and English wasps, which can be identified by their slender, hairless bodies with yellow and black stripes. These wasps often build large nests in walls, tree hollows, underground, or in roof cavities. To find a wasp nest, you can leave out bait such as ripe fruit or raw meat, as wasps fly straight back to their nest after finding food. Once you've located the nest, it's best to call a professional to remove it safely and humanely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Underground, in wall voids, roof cavities, trees, or enclosed areas |
| Appearance | Grey paper mache, with a lot of movement and activity around it |
| Size | Can contain several thousand wasps |
| Behaviour | Aggressive, territorial, and capable of stinging multiple times |
| Food sources | Meat, sugary products, sap from trees, and small bodies of water |
| Removal methods | Insecticides, non-chemical traps, home remedies, or professional pest control services |
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What You'll Learn
Common wasp nest locations
Wasp nest removal is essential when you notice these flying insects near your home. The first step in any wasp removal process is to locate the nest. The most common wasp species in Australia, the European wasp, builds large nests in walls, tree hollows, underground, or even in roof cavities. Here are some common locations where you might find a wasp nest:
Underground
Wasps may build their nests underground, which can sometimes look like a trapdoor spider's hole. These nests are often identifiable by the high level of movement and activity around the nest entrance.
Trees and Gardens
European wasps often build their nests in trees, and you may spot them in your garden or yard. Paper wasps, another species found in Australia, build their nests on the underside of branches or leaves.
Enclosed Spaces
Wasps may also seek out enclosed areas to build their nests, such as wall voids, roof cavities, attics, or even bird feeders and bird baths.
Near Food Sources
Wasps are attracted to food sources, so you may find their nests near areas with food scraps, dog food, or al fresco dining areas. They are also drawn to small bodies of water, like fish ponds, and sap-leaking trees such as conifers or pine trees.
If you notice a lot of wasp activity near your property, it is best to identify the nest early on to prevent it from growing larger. While it is possible to remove wasp nests on your own, it is recommended to get a professional with the necessary training, experience, and equipment to safely handle and remove the nest.
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DIY removal methods to avoid
Wasp nests are often found in trees, underground, or in enclosed areas, such as wall voids or roof cavities. They are made from a thin, papery substance, which is highly flammable. Therefore, DIY methods that involve burning the nest should be avoided. Not only is this dangerous, but it also won't successfully kill all the wasps, and the angry survivors will likely attack.
Similarly, flooding a wasp nest with water is ineffective and may cause damage to your property. This method will not get rid of all the wasps, and the remaining ones will become aggressive and attack.
Destroying a wasp nest with a bat or racket is another ill-advised method. This will put you at direct risk of multiple stings and could be life-threatening if you are allergic. Being in close proximity to the hive will likely aggravate the wasps and trigger an attack.
Using insecticides or soapy water on small, outdoor nests can be effective. However, this should be left to professionals who have the proper protective equipment and training to handle and remove wasp nests safely.
Overall, attempting to remove a wasp nest yourself can be costly and dangerous. It is recommended to contact a pest control professional or your local government for advice and assistance.
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How to identify European wasps
European wasps (Vespula germanica) are native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia but have been present in Australia since 1959. They are considered a serious pest and are known to be aggressive, territorial, and capable of stinging multiple times, making them potentially dangerous for humans, livestock, and pets.
- Attracted to Meat and Sugary Products: European wasps are attracted to meat and sugary foods. They are known to scavenge for food up to 500 meters from their nest. Leaving out a small sample of meat or sugary substances in a safe area can help you track their nest, as they will fly straight back to it.
- Large Nests: European wasp nests can contain several thousand wasps. They build large nests in walls, tree hollows, attics, wall voids, and even underground. The nests resemble grey paper mache and can be found in the ground, under ledges, or in trees.
- Active Overnight: Unlike other wasp species, European wasps are active overnight. Therefore, the best time to treat or observe their nests is just before sunrise when it's still dark, as most workers will have returned to the nest.
- Umbrella-Shaped Nests: The European paper wasp, sometimes called the yellow paper wasp, is an introduced species in Australia. Their nests have a characteristic upside-down umbrella shape where the open cells can be seen from below.
- Aggressive Behaviour: European wasps are highly aggressive and will attack in numbers if they feel threatened. They are known to hang around barbecues and drop into unattended soft drinks for a sugar hit.
- Impact on Ecosystems: These wasps have a significant economic impact on primary industries such as beekeeping, forestry, and horticulture. They disrupt native ecosystems by competing for food sources with native species and disturbing the natural food chain.
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When to call a professional
Wasp nests are best left to professionals, as they are trained to handle and remove nests safely and efficiently. They have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
If you are allergic to wasp stings, it is best to call a professional. Wasp stings can cause anaphylactic shock, and even if you are not allergic, multiple stings can be dangerous. Wasps are aggressive and require little aggravation to attack.
If you have tried all the DIY methods and the wasps keep coming back, it is time to call a professional. Wasps will defend their nest until it is removed, so it is best to get a thorough inspection and removal by an expert.
In Western Australia, you must report a European wasp nest to the Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS). Outside of Western Australia, the presence and reporting requirements vary, so contact your local government for advice. If they do not provide pest control services, you should contact a professional unless you have experience treating wasp nests.
If you have located a small, outdoor nest, you can try a soap solution to block the nest's breathable space and kill the wasps inside. However, this will send a chemical signal to other wasps to defend their home, so ensure you are not around when this happens.
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Safe wasp nest removal
Wasp nests in Australia are commonly found in trees, underground, or in enclosed areas, such as wall voids, roof cavities, and attics. The first step in safe wasp nest removal is locating the nest. Wasps are attracted to meat and sugary products, so leaving a small food sample in a safe area can help with detection. Once located, it is important to identify the wasp species to determine a suitable treatment.
If you plan to remove the nest yourself, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Wear protective clothing, such as thick clothing, long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a hood or hat. Avoid swatting at or aggravating the wasps. Keep in mind that some wasp species are highly aggressive and will attack in numbers if threatened.
For small, outdoor nests, a soapy water mix can be dispensed from a spray bottle to block the wasps' breathable space. Another option is to use an insecticide labelled for wasps, such as PestXpert Wasp Jet, and spray it directly onto the nest. A one- or two-second burst should be sufficient, and the nest can then be knocked down with a broom while wearing thick gloves.
However, for larger nests or nests in the ground, it is recommended to contact a professional pest controller or your local council. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to safely remove the nest. Additionally, if you have an allergy or the nest is quite big, it is advisable to seek professional help to avoid any risks.
To prevent wasps from returning, natural sprays made with essential oils like lemongrass, clove, rosemary, geranium, or peppermint can be applied to doorways, roof cavities, and other high-risk areas. Keeping compost bins, trash cans, and food sources covered and sealed is also important to deter wasps.
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Frequently asked questions
If you notice lots of wasps buzzing around your yard, you likely have a wasp nest nearby. Wasps have been known to scavenge for food up to 500 metres from their nests, so it may not be immediately obvious where the nest is located.
The best way to find a wasp nest is to leave out a small food sample in a safe area. Wasps are attracted to meat and sugary products, so they will take the food and fly straight back to their nest. Nests can be found in trees, underground, in roof cavities, or in wall spaces. They look like grey paper mache and are often found in the ground, under ledges, or in trees.
Wasp nests should be removed by a professional pest controller. Wasps are aggressive creatures that can sting multiple times, so attempting to remove a nest yourself can be dangerous.
