How to control European wasps

Need to know: controlling European wasps

If you’re dealing with European wasps, keep these key points in mind.

• Be sure you’re dealing with European wasps before taking action, as some native wasps may not need controlling.
• You shouldn’t ignore a European wasp nest and hope it disappears on its own.
• Small nests can be chemically treated, but nest removal is not a recommended D.I.Y. job.
• Wear protective clothing and keep your distance when using wasp control products.
• Traps can help reduce small numbers of wasps, but they won’t remove the nest.

Identify the wasp before you act

European wasps should be identified before you start any control method. While some wasps can be aggressive and invasive, others play a role in pollination and pest control.

There are other types of wasps in Australia, including native stingless wasps, that may not need controlling. If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, take extra care and seek advice before treating or disturbing a nest.

European wasps are an introduced species and can be a problem around homes because they sting and can be aggressive, especially near food, bins and outdoor entertaining areas.

A European wasp is about the same size as a bee, usually 12–16 mm long, with a bright yellow body marked by distinct black triangle-like markings, yellow legs, long black antennae, and wings that fold lengthwise when at rest.

Compared with a regular honeybee, a European wasp looks smoother and less hairy, with a more vivid yellow-and-black body, while bees tend to appear browner, fuzzier and more rounded. Another important difference is behaviour: unlike a honeybee, a European wasp can sting repeatedly.

Don’t leave a European wasp nest alone

If you’ve got European wasps around your house, there are a couple of control options. Small nests can be controlled chemically, or you can get a professional pest controller to manage them for you.

Nests can also be removed, but this is not a D.I.Y. job. We strongly suggest getting trained professionals to remove European wasp nests. If you’re planning to treat a small nest yourself, follow the product instructions carefully and take the right safety steps.

Put safety first before treatment

European wasps can sting repeatedly, and stings can be painful or cause a serious allergic reaction. Seek urgent medical help if a sting causes swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat, or makes breathing difficult.

Before treating a nest, wear heavy-duty clothing such as jeans, a long sleeve shirt, sturdy gloves and a full face mask or helmet. Treat nests when wasp activity is lower, such as early morning or at night, and keep other people and pets well away from the area.

Find the nest first

You’ll need to locate the nest before you can control it. Some nests are easy to spot under eaves, near doors or attached to structures, while others may be hidden in the ground, retaining walls or around tree bases.

If you can’t see the nest straight away, watch the wasps from a safe distance. They’ll usually fly back in a direct line to the nest.

Control the nest carefully

Follow these steps to help control a European wasp nest.

Chemical treatment

For effective control, use a specially formulated insecticide to treat the nest. Look for a spray with a long range so you can stand back a little. Drench the nest in spray or powder as directed in the instructions.

Leave it until you’re sure all the wasps are dead. This may take a day or two and may require a second treatment. Once there’s no activity, and while wearing protective equipment, carefully remove the nest and the dead wasps. You must remove the nest to stop other wasps moving in.

Nest removal

Nest removal or relocation carries a much higher level of risk. This is not something we recommend as a D.I.Y. task because of the danger of disturbing live wasps at close range.

If you want the nest physically removed rather than chemically treated, it’s safest to contact a professional pest controller.

Alternative solutions

Wasp traps can help catch some wasps around outdoor areas and may reduce activity near your home. They can be useful if you’re seeing small numbers of wasps around food or bins.

Trapping is only good for a small number of wasps. It won’t remove or treat the nest, so it should be seen as a support option rather than the main solution.

Help keep wasps away

Good outdoor hygiene can help make your home less attractive to wasps. Clean up food scraps quickly, keep bins closed, cover compost and don’t leave pet food or fallen fruit sitting outside.

You can also keep an eye on eaves, walls, fences and garden edges for early nest activity so you can deal with a problem before it grows.

Explore wasp control products

If you need help managing wasps around your home, check out the range of insect controls and repellents online or at your local store. For larger nests or hard-to-reach areas, it’s best to speak with a qualified pest professional.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have European wasps?

European wasps are an introduced wasp species that can be aggressive around food and outdoor areas. If you’re not sure what type of wasp you’ve found, get advice before treating the nest.

Should I leave a European wasp nest alone?

No. European wasp nests shouldn’t be ignored, as they won’t usually disappear on their own and can become a bigger safety risk over time.

Can I remove a European wasp nest myself?

Nest removal is not a recommended D.I.Y. job. Chemical treatment may be suitable for a small nest, but physical nest removal should be handled by a trained professional.

Do wasp traps get rid of the nest?

No. Wasp traps can catch some wasps, but they won’t treat or remove the nest.

What protective gear should I wear when treating a nest?

Wear heavy-duty clothing such as jeans, a long sleeve shirt, sturdy gloves and a full face mask or helmet. Keep your distance and follow the product instructions carefully.