How To Get Rid Of Wasps In Melbourne
Dealing with wasps in Melbourne can be challenging and potentially dangerous. This comprehensive guide will help you identify, prevent, and safely remove wasps from your property, with a special focus on the prevalent European wasp species.
Dealing with wasps in Melbourne can be challenging and potentially dangerous. This comprehensive guide will help you identify, prevent, and safely remove wasps from your property, with a special focus on the prevalent European wasp species.
Is it a wasp or a bee?
Before taking action, it’s crucial to correctly identify whether you’re dealing with wasps or bees – something my customers often get confused by when calling for help.
While bees have robust, rounded bodies with flattened legs for collecting pollen, wasps are more slender, with a distinctive narrow waist and longer legs that dangle down when flying.
Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times and are generally more aggressive.
Find out more about the differences between wasps and bees.
Common wasp species in Melbourne
Below are the four most common wasp species found in Melbourne.
European Wasps (Vespula germanica)
Melbourne’s most problematic pest since their first appearance in 1977.
These aggressive insects have a bright yellow body with black triangle-shaped markings, measuring about 12-16mm in length. Queens are a little bigger, around 20mm long.
European wasps have yellow legs and long black antennae, and their wings fold when resting.
What makes European wasps particularly dangerous is their ability to form massive colonies with multiple queens in Melbourne’s climate.
They build large, grey, papery nests, typically underground or in wall cavities. Unlike other wasp species, European wasps are active throughout the day and will readily scavenge human food, making them a common pest at outdoor events.
They’re also known for their aggressive defence of their nest, with the ability to sting multiple times.
European wasps pose significant threats to:
- Local wildlife
- Pets and livestock
- Beehives
- Fruit crops
- Human safety
Find out more about the dangers of European wasps.
Paper Wasps (Polistes species)
Paper wasps are native to Australia and, like other native Australian wasps, are considered beneficial. They assist with pollination by feeding on nectar, and they help with natural pest control. Paper wasps feed pest insects, such as caterpillars, to their larvae.
Paper wasps are slender, measuring 15-20mm long, with orange-brown antennae and black legs.
Paper wasps build exposed umbrella-shaped nests. Their nests are distinctive, featuring a single layer of hexagonal cells exposed to the elements, usually attached to branches or under eaves.
They’re less aggressive than European wasps. However, they may attack if they feel their nest is threatened.
A difference between paper wasps and European wasps
One of the easiest ways to distinguish between paper wasps and European wasps is to observe their distinctive flight patterns. Paper wasps let their long back legs hang loosely beneath them while in flight, creating a dangling appearance.
They often hover around garden foliage, lawn areas, and water features. In contrast, European wasps are much more purposeful and aggressive in their flight behaviour, keeping their legs tucked tightly against their body. They zip through the air with rapid, direct movements and rarely hover in one spot, preferring to dart quickly between destinations.
The distinct difference in flight behaviour can be a useful identification tool for Melbourne residents trying to determine which species they’re dealing with.
Find out more about paper wasps in Melbourne.
Mud Wasps (Sceliphron species)
Mud wasps, or mud dauber wasps, are solitary insects that construct distinctive tube-like nests from mud.
These wasps are typically black with yellow markings and long, thread-like waists measuring 15-25mm long.
Unlike social wasps, mud wasps live and hunt alone, primarily targeting spiders, which they paralyse and store in their mud nests as food for their larvae.
They’re considered one of the least aggressive wasp species in Melbourne, rarely stinging humans unless handled or stepped on.
Their unique nest-building behaviour and solitary nature make them quite different from other common wasp species, and they’re generally not considered a significant pest.
When is wasp season in Melbourne?
Wasp activity typically peaks during late summer and early autumn (February to April). In Melbourne’s mild climate, some nests can survive through winter, creating massive year-round colonies.
What attracts wasps?
The following attracts wasps in Melbourne:
- Sweet foods and drinks
- Protein-rich foods
- Fallen fruit
- Open garbage bins
- Pet food left outdoors
- Flowering plants
How to get rid of wasps in Melbourne
The safest and most effective solution is to hire licensed pest control experts who:
- Use appropriate protective equipment
- Apply effective, targeted treatments
- Ensure complete nest elimination
- Provide warranty protection
At Ben’s Bees, our experienced wasp removal specialists will quickly and safely remove your wasp problem. We offer a three-month guarantee, so if the wasps return in that time, we’ll repeat treatment of the nest, free of charge.
We use a special organic preparation, which kills the pests humanely and is safe for bees.
While wasps play a role in our ecosystem, they can pose significant risks when nesting near homes.
For Melbourne residents dealing with wasp problems, professional wasp removal services offer the safest and most effective solution. Remember to implement preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of future infestations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Below are the most frequently asked questions we receive from our wasp removal customers in Melbourne.
Are wasp stings dangerous?
Yes, especially for allergic individuals. Multiple stings can be dangerous for anyone and require immediate medical attention.
Can I remove a wasp nest myself?
While there are various home remedies available, attempting to remove wasp nests yourself can be dangerous – and very painful if you get stung. European wasps are particularly aggressive and will defend their nest vigorously, potentially causing serious injury.
The prevention of wasps in the first place is the best DIY intervention possible. There are several simple precautions that can be employed around the home to avoid attracting wasps. Cover food outdoors and always use straws in drink containers; make sure all your bins have lids, and remove fallen fruit and any pet food once you’ve fed your pet outdoors.
How can I prevent wasps from building nests on my property?
Regularly inspecting your property, sealing potential entry points, and maintaining clean outdoor areas can help prevent wasp infestations.
What should I do if I find a wasp nest?
Contact a professional wasp removal service such as Ben’s Bees in Melbourne, Victoria, which uses organic, bee-friendly products. It helps if you send photos of the nest so it can be identified and give an idea of the size of the nest. Don’t attempt to remove it yourself to avoid painful stings or if someone has an allergy.
How long does professional wasp treatment take?
Most professional treatments take 1-2 hours, with results visible within 24-48 hours.
Can wasps return after treatment?
While the treated nest(s) will be eliminated, new queens may attempt to establish nests in the same area in future seasons. Ben’s Bees offers a three-month guarantee, so if wasps return within that time, we’ll re-treat the area for you.
