The European wasp has become a household pest since its introduction to Australia. They are attracted to human habitation where they forage for food and sweet liquids. This wasp is a more aggressive social insect than local species, with a sting that is painful and potentially harmful to some individuals. The venom in the sting has been known to cause serious allergic reactions in some individuals, and can be especially dangerous for individuals bitten in or near the mouth. Wasps site their nests in building wall cavities, wood piles or underground. The nests can become significant in size, housing an increasing number of wasps, which is when they become potentially hazardous to have on your property or premises.

Pest control technicians will use a variety of techniques to eliminate wasps from your property or premises. The first step is usually to identify where the nest is located, when it can then be removed and destroyed. Insecticides are the most common method of control, though there are also simple non-chemical based wasp traps available.

Because of their capacity to sting repeatedly, wasps should best be avoided. Follow these simple guidelines to limit your contact with them:

• do not disturb a wasp nest, no matter how small it looks
• limit the amount of standing water on your property
• keep your garbage bins clean and shut tight
• pick up any fallen fruit if you have fruit trees on your property
• repair any cracks or openings in your brickwork or roofing