If you’ve ever been stung by a wasp, you know that it can be a painful experience. Some social wasps, including European wasps and Australian paper wasps, may defend their nests when they feel threatened. Therefore, a nest close to doors, pathways or frequently used outdoor areas may pose a risk to people and pets.
Newcastle Pest Exterminators is here to help with all your wasp removal needs. We have the experience and expertise to safely and effectively remove wasp nests from your property. We can also recommend practical measures to reduce suitable nesting sites and food sources around the property.
What are Wasps?
Wasps belong to the insect order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and ants. Australia has many social and solitary wasp species, and their appearance, nesting habits and behaviour vary considerably.
Adult wasps may feed on nectar and other sugary substances, while many species hunt insects or collect animal material to feed their larvae. As a result, wasps can act as predators, scavengers and pollinators within the environment.
Compared with bees, wasps generally have smoother bodies with fewer branched hairs for carrying pollen. Wasps also have chewing mouthparts and strong mandibles that may be used to capture prey or collect material for nest construction.
Female wasps can generally sting more than once because their stingers do not usually remain embedded in the skin. By comparison, a worker European honey bee has a barbed sting that may lodge in human skin, causing the sting apparatus to tear away from the bee. However, this does not mean every bee species can sting only once.
Wasps Commonly Found Around Newcastle Properties
Wasps found around Newcastle may include native paper wasps, solitary mud-building wasps and introduced European wasps.
Australian paper wasps usually construct open, umbrella-shaped nests with visible cells beneath eaves, branches or other sheltered surfaces. They can defend the nest when approached or disturbed.
European wasps are an introduced species established in New South Wales. They commonly nest in the ground, wall cavities and other concealed spaces. European wasps are attracted to meat and sweet foods and may become a nuisance around outdoor eating areas and rubbish bins.
Solitary native wasps may build small mud nests or burrows. They generally do not form a large defensive colony, so their presence should not automatically be treated in the same way as a European wasp nest.
Correct identification is important because appearance alone can be misleading. Some native bees and harmless flies closely resemble wasps.
Don’t Ignore Wasps
At first glance, a wasp nest may not seem like much of a threat. After all, wasps are relatively small insects, and their nests are often located high up in trees or on other structures. However, wasps can be dangerous pests, and their nests can pose a serious threat to both people and animals.
Nesting locations vary between wasp species. Paper wasps may build exposed nests beneath eaves, branches and other sheltered surfaces, while European wasps often use concealed locations such as ground cavities, retaining walls or parts of buildings.
Meat, ripe fruit, sugary drinks, pet food and uncovered rubbish can attract foraging European wasps. However, the presence of wasps around food does not necessarily mean that their nest is located nearby.
A nest may require professional attention when it is close to a doorway, pathway, play area or another frequently used part of the property. Do not disturb the nest or stand close to its entrance while trying to identify the species.
What to Do if You Find a Wasp Nest
If you find an active wasp nest:
- Keep children and pets away from the area
- Do not strike, shake or attempt to remove the nest
- Do not block an active nest entrance because wasps may search for another exit
- Avoid using fire, petrol, boiling water or unregistered pesticide mixtures
- Observe the wasps from a safe distance and note where they enter and leave
- Arrange professional treatment if the nest is active, concealed, difficult to access or close to people
Meanwhile, cover outdoor food and drinks, clean up sweet spills and keep rubbish bins closed to reduce foraging activity. These steps may reduce nuisance wasps, but they will not eliminate an established nest.
What to Do After a Wasp Sting
For a minor local reaction, wash the affected area and apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth. Speak with a pharmacist or health professional if pain or swelling is severe or persistent.
If the person develops difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, wheezing, dizziness or collapse, use an adrenaline autoinjector immediately if one is available. Then call Triple Zero (000) and follow the person’s allergy action plan. Medical attention should also be sought after multiple stings.
Wasp Pest Control Newcastle
At Newcastle Pest Exterminators, we understand that having wasps on your property can be a nuisance. That’s why we offer a variety of wasp pest control services to help control these pests. Our experienced team will first identify the type of wasp infesting your property. We then create a customized treatment plan to eliminate the problem. OWe apply treatments according to the product label and provide any preparation or safety instructions required for the treatment area. Where appropriate, we can also recommend measures to reduce future nesting and foraging activity around the property. So if you’re looking for wasp control in Newcastle, give us a call today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and get started on solving your problem.
