- Risk level
- High
- Peak season
- Late summer & autumn (nests peak Feb–April)
- Where you’ll find them
- Underground nests, wall cavities, roof voids, retaining walls
- DIY?
- Dangerous — do not attempt
Overview
The European wasp is an introduced pest that is very common across Victoria. Unlike bees, wasps can sting repeatedly and will defend their nest aggressively. Nests are often hidden underground or inside walls, with only a small entry hole showing.
How to identify european wasps
European wasp (Vespula germanica)
About the size of a bee (12–16 mm), bright yellow with black triangular markings and yellow legs. Attracted to meat, sweet drinks and pet food — the wasp at your BBQ.
Paper wasps (Polistes spp.)
Slender, brown and yellow with long dangling legs. Build open, umbrella-shaped grey paper nests under eaves, pergolas and fences.
Signs you have a problem
- A steady stream of wasps flying in and out of a single hole in the ground, wall or roof
- Wasps hovering around outdoor eating areas, bins and pet bowls
- Grey papery nests under eaves or in sheds
Why it matters
- Multiple painful stings; a disturbed nest can release hundreds of wasps
- Stings can cause anaphylaxis in allergic people
- Wasps can crawl into open drink cans and sting inside the mouth or throat
How we treat european wasps
- 1
Locate the nest
We follow flight paths to find the nest entry — often in a lawn, garden bed, retaining wall or wall cavity.
- 2
Dust the nest
Insecticidal dust is applied directly into the nest entry. Returning wasps carry it through the nest.
- 3
Same-day where possible
Wasp nests near doors, play areas or pools are treated as urgent.
Prevention tips you can do today
- Cover food and drinks outdoors, and use a straw or clear cup for drinks
- Keep bins sealed and don’t leave pet food outside
- Pick up fallen fruit
- Fill in old rodent burrows and holes where wasps could nest