WASP AND BEE CONTROL SYDNEY

Wasps

In Australia there are in the region of 10000 species of Wasp. There are a number of species you may see around Sydney, some of which are harmless and are of great benefit to the environment in their role as pollinators - such as the native flower wasp which are generally solitary and can be found in the garden.

As long as you do not attack or disturb the nest of a native flower wasp, they will most likely leave you alone.

Yellow paper wasps can be found around flowers, ponds or water taps. They have yellow antennae, fly with their back legs dangling down, and are around 15-19mm in size.

Yellow paper wasps can deliver quite a painful string, though are not likely to be agressive towards you unless you attack it's distinctive papery honeycomb like nest.

European wasps are incredibly agressive insects, which have been introduced to the environment and are seen as a pest as they have grown. European wasps are around 12-16mm in size, have black antennae. They are quite stout in size, have a yellow & black banded abdomen with black spots.

Unlike yellow paper wasps, they fly with their legs close in to the body. You also may spot them flying in and out of a hole in the ground where they nest.

Lifecycle & Habits of Wasps

Early spring brings the start of a new colony. The queen emerges from hibernation and finds a suitable place in which to build her nest, which is made from a pulpy mixture of chewed wood and saliva.

The queen builds a space to lay her eggs and tends to the first new young workers. These workers then take over the building process, tend to the young and forage for food.

The colony expands greatly throughout the summer, and in the autumn the new males & females hatch. The males and females then mate, the males die and the newly fertilised queen seeks an adequate place to hibernate for the winter. In the spring, the queen emerges once more and the cycle restarts.

In warmer climates the existing nests continue to grow however in cooler regions, the nest disintegrates.

Like ants and bees, Wasps undergo a full metamorphosis. The eggs laid by the queen hatch into larvae, which in turn pupate and eventually emerge as adult wasps some weeks later. A colony can develop to be very large indeed - containing upto 4,000,000 cells and 100,000 worker wasps.

Protect Yourself From Wasps

Wasps can be very aggressive insects indeed, and can sting you multiple times if agitated. A venom from a wasp sting can be incredibly painful. If you're allergic to wasp venom its also possible that you could have a serious reaction to it! Whats more, wasps also have the ability to emit pheromones & chemicals which alert other nearby wasps to attack also.

Wasps are in search of food. European wasps are attracted to sweets and meat, and will often be found near and inside bottles and cans of drinks.

There are, however, some simple tips you can remember and employ to minimise the risks of experiencing a difficult wasp problem:

• Food Sources - Keep food sources indoors or sealed tightly, especially sugary food and protein. Wasps are especially attracted to sugary drinks, keep lids on them. Dont forget about the pet food.
• Garbage bins - Seal or close garbage bins, empty frequently and keep them clean. Wasps are keen hunters and bins are rich pickings in their search for food.
• Be aware - Wasps are attracted to bright colours. In summertime be careful of this. If wasps are attracted to you try not to panic and be conscious they may sting you if provoked.
• Perfumes - Wasps are also attracted to sweet smells. Try to avoid or minimise the use of hair sprays, colognes and perfumes in the summer if you're outdoors.
• Compost areas - As with bins, compost areas are a goldmine for wasps. Keep them clean, covered and get rid of lose and rotting fruits.
• Inspect - Inspect the outside of the house for gaps. Check awnings as they can be inviting areas for wasps. Check vents. Seal up gaps, cracks and fix loose bits.

Locate and Identify a Nest

The location and appearance can vary from species to species, for example solitary wasps generally do not live in large colonies preferring to nest below the ground or in a crack or crevice, whereas more social species wasps generally live in large colonies above ground.

Wasps nests are often above ground in:

• Trees
• Bushes
• Roof spaces
• Wall cavities
• Under eaves
• Beneath decks or patios
• Behind shutters
• In sheds or garages

While below ground nests are found in places such as:

• Beneath slabs or pateos
• Under rocks
• Below fallen logs
• Within retaining walls
• In rubbish heaps
• Uncovered compost heaps
• In holes dug in the ground
• In Bases of trees or in hedges

Above ground nests tent to be a grey or tan colour, and be round or spherical in shape with at least on entry hole. The nest will have combs on the inside which may or may not be visible from the outside. The nest also appears to be made of a paper like substance.

Do not confuse a wasps nest with a bees nest. Bees nests are distinctive, hexagonal, waxy yellow constructions.

If you suspect a wasp problem, or are seeing lots of wasps then leave a small amount of food (such as a bit of meat or pet food), and then watch as the wasp takes it back to the nest. Wasps will pretty much fly in a straight line home. Keep moving this food until the wasp finds it and returns it. European wasps however can travel upto 500m from the nest in search of food.

Always consult a wasp removal expert when dealing with a wasp issue.