The European wasp, also known as the German or yellow jacket wasp, is native to Europe but has become well established in Australia. They are especially successful and destructive invaders when introduced to new territories. They compete aggressively with indigenous wildlife for habitat and food supplies. They are a social insect and nest in colonies. The majority of nests are found in soil beneath the ground although they can also be found inside tree hollows and inside structures, including the roof voids and wall cavities of our homes and offices. Wasp control involving the use of insecticide is the best way to eradicate this pest.
They have attained pest status due to their competition with native species and their ability to sting and injure humans and household pets. We offer fast, effective wasp control strategies that will include the location and removal of the nest (if possible) and the chemical control of the existing occupants. A colony will start with a single queen who will construct a nest. Reproduction commences in the spring and numbers grow rapidly well into summer. Average colonies contain hundreds and even thousands of workers.
New queens are produced in autumn and they will hibernate throughout winter. The original queen will usually die in winter, as will the workers. They are anywhere between 12 mm to 15 mm in length, yellow and black in colour, with black dots on the abdomen and face. They also have distinctive yellow legs. Queens have the same appearance although they are slightly larger.
They are attracted to sweet and sticky foods as well as meat products. This is why they are often unwanted guests at outdoor dining areas and barbecues.
They can fly anywhere between 50 to 200 meters from their nesting site, so their presence at your home will not always mean that the nest is contained within your property boundary. The easiest way to find the nest is to follow them in flight. They will all enter and exit via a common point. Activity is highest between 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. You will not usually be able to see the actual nest as it will be concealed and the site of entry and exit will usually be very small.
Nests and the associated buzzing activity commonly attract the attention of pets, young children and adolescents. Curious pets, naive children and mischievous adolescents can disturb the nest, which merely acts to aggravate the hosts. They will summon other occupants and swarm, attacking anything within close range and particularly anything that moves.
Their sting is intensely painful and unlike bees, they have the ability to sting repeatedly. Some wasp stings have proven fatal, particularly for those that suffer allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock is a distinct possibility, with the injection of adrenalin a necessary requirement to survive. For those unaware that they are allergic and who are not in possession of an adrenalin injection device, the end result can often be catastrophic. This is why we recommend removal by a licensed professional at the earliest opportunity after the identification of an active nest. I’m sure that you agree that the risk associated with a sting to yourself, a loved one or a neighbour far outweighs the cost to engage the services of an experienced pest management technician.
If you have a wasp nest on your property it’s imperative that you call a licensed pest controller. The only way to destroy a wasp nest and its occupants are to use an approved pesticide. Insecticidal dust is the best product as it can penetrate areas that are not easily accessible. Liquid sprays may also be effective if the nest is easily accessible. Wasps are very aggressive when threatened so a protective suit must be worn. Once the nest is destroyed it can easily be removed. The nest will look like paper material and they often resemble the shape of a soccer ball.
Contact us on 1300 665 573 for fast and effective wasp control in any Melbourne suburb.
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