How To Control Wasps

German or European wasp

Wasps are probably the insect that causes the most concern in New Zealand. Wasp stings hurt and they can be dangerous!

Preventing wasps building nests in the first place is the best form of control and can be achieved quite easily with some good home maintenance and the correct wasp control products. Due to the safety concerns, wasp nest removal can be a lot more difficult. However, with the PestXpert Wasp Jet Long Reach aerosol, homeowners can tackle wasp nests with confidence.

However, safety should always be your first concern and if you are not confident in dealing with it yourself, call your council or a professional, especially if you suspect you may have European wasps.

Wasp Identification

Australian paper wasp, *Polistes humilis*

Australian paper wasp nest — Australian paper wasp, *Polistes humilis*

What do they look like?

There are four species of pest wasp in New Zealand, all introduced species; the Australian and Asian paper wasps, and the German and European wasps. These are all social insects, meaning they build large nests and have a complicated colony structure. They all have a similar appearance; large insects with a narrow “waist”, an abdomen that narrows to a point (this is where the sting is!) and have warning colourations (red, yellow and black).

European wasps (German and common wasps): These bright yellow and black striped wasps are capable of forming very large nests of up to 100,000 individuals! The majority of nests are found in the ground (80%), often visible only by a hole (with wasps flying in and out), with the remainder of nests found in buildings (roof spaces, wall voids and eaves). They also build nests under exposed compost heaps. The nest consists of a number of cells forming combs (similar to a honey bee), although they are not often visible as the nest is covered by a protective paper covering. European wasps (German wasp) and their close relative, the English or common wasp, can be aggressive to humans especially if disturbed. If disturbed, they can be very aggressive, many wasps can attack at the same time, delivering multiple stings. Size: 1 – 1.5 cm.
Australian paper wasp: Build nests under eaves, the underside of branches and leaves. Nests are normally quite small (maximum 100-200 wasps) and hang by a stalk. They tend not be aggressive, only stinging when defending their nest. The adults feed on nectar but they catch caterpillars to feed their young. Size: up to 2.5 cm
Asian paper wasps: The Asian paper wasps are another invasive species. They have a black and yellow colouring similar to the European wasp, but their shape, nest construction and behaviour are similar to the Australian paper wasp.

The type of wasp nest can also help in identification.

Types of Wasps

European Wasps

These medium sized wasps (15 mm) are a bit larger than native paper wasps and have distinctive black and yellow colouration. There are actually two closely related species – the German paper wasp and the common (English) paper wasp.
Nests can grow year on year up to 100,000 individuals. 80% of nests are in hollows underground, the remain above ground, often under eaves or in roof voids.
These are very aggressive wasps, particularly when defending their nests. They will attack en masse and each wasp will sting multiple times.

Australian Paper Wasp

A medium sized wasp (10-15 mm) with yellow, brown and back colouring.
Build nests hanging from stalks in sheltered areas – under eaves or large leaves.
Can build nests of up to 200 individuals. Generally only aggressive when defending its nest.
There are a number of other native paper wasps, which build different types of nests. These wasps are generally smaller, but some can be very aggressive, such as the yellow brown paper wasp.

Asian Paper Wasp

Large black and yellow wasp, 13-25 mm long. Similar to European wasps but have orange antennae instead of black antennae.
Build nests on buildings or on tree branches and in bushes. Nests have a open structure and not covered as with European wasps.
Generally not dangerous to humans as they are only aggressive when disturbed. Their sting is quite painful.

Mud Dauber Wasp

Large wasps up to 25 mm, with long, thin waists connecting the thorax and abdomen.
Build mud nests on walls and sheltered areas. Nests may consist of up to 25 mud cells.
Solitary wasps, although their sting is painful, they are generally little danger to humans and pets.

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Key Wasp Facts

European wasp nest on wall with protective shroud — Small European wasp nest

European wasps are native to Europe are only found in the more temperate climates, so much of New Zealand represents an ideal habitat. During milder Winters the wasp nests continue to grow rather than die off.
Paper wasps mainly feed on protein, capturing caterpillars for their young
European wasps eat protein (meat) but also are highly attractive to sugar foods. Wasps around rubbish, picnic areas and especially soft drink cans are a major problem.
Single wasp stings can normally be treated by a cold pack and pain killers if required. However, if you suffer from allergies or receive multiple stings you should seek medical help immediately.

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Signs Of A Wasp Infestation

European wasp nest in the ground

Signs of a paper wasp nest is normally the observation of a nest hanging off the eaves or a plant.
European wasp nests are sometime harder to locate. If you see wasps around, check your property for nests as they generally only travel 50-250 m from the nest. Around 80% of European wasp nests are actually built in chambers underground in well drained banks of soil.

Main Pest Season

Paper wasps will be present all year round although they tend to be more active and build their nests when the temperature warms up in Spring.
European wasp activity reduces during the cooler months, although in the warmer areas they can remain active all year round (which is why their nests can get so large).

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Wasp Prevention Tips

Look our for the signs of nest building (here is a mud dauber nest)

Trim back bushes and over-hanging branches from the perimeter of your home.
Carry out regular inspections of the perimeter of your building and gardens for wasp activity and signs of early nest building, especially in Spring.
In European wasp areas, ensure rubbish bins are closed and food is not left unattended. Also make sure that any composting is carried out in containers.

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Wasp Control Tips

PestXpert Pro Spray Flying product image — PestXpert Pro Spray Flying

PestXpert Wasp Jet aerosol — Pestxpert Wasp Jet aerosol

Individual wasps

To control individual wasps, standard aerosols are the best wasp killers. Make sure the wasp gets a good dose and leave the area – they tend to get angry when sprayed!

To Prevent Wasp Nests Being Built

To prevent wasps building nests around on the outside of your home, spray the perimeter of your home (especially the eaves) with insecticide. Normally a ready to use pump pack is best suited for the job, such as PestXpert Pro Spray Outdoor Perimeter.

To Eliminate Wasp Nests

For direct treatment of nests, spray with PestXpert Wasp Jet Long Reach aerosol. (See safety considerations below).
For mud dauber wasp nests, it is best to destroy the nest physically after the parent has been killed (or when it is not around), clean the surface of remaining mud if required and then spray the surface with insecticide to prevent nest building in the future. (If you spray the nest directly, it tend to be messy, spreading the mud on the wall).

More detail on wasp nest removal…

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PestXpert Products For Wasps

PestXpert Pro-Spray Crawling and Pro-Spray Flying are good options to target the occasional wasp that flies in the home, although actually Pro-Spray Crawling provides the fastest performance due to its high solvent level.
For treating exterior surfaces to prevent wasps building nests, Pro-Spray Outdoor Perimeter will give lasting protection. The 1m wand on Pro-Spray Outdoor Perimeter will allow high places such as eaves to be reached safely.
For direct nest treatment use PestXpert Wasp Jet Long Reach aerosol. With a spray range of up to 6m and high volume output, nests can be coated with insecticide quickly, from a distance.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: For direct treatment of nests can be dangerous, especially for European wasps due to their aggressive nature. In addition European wasps often build their nests underground, which makes it difficult to make sure you hit the nest with the insecticide. You may not know the size of the nest, especially if it is underground, making it difficult to know how much insecticide to use. As such it is recommended that PestXpert Wasp Jet only to be used against exposed, above ground wasp nests such as paperwasp nests or small European wasp nests.

To spray a wasp nest, spray in the evening or at night – all the wasps should be in the nest and they will be calmer (until you spray!). Make sure you have suitable safety clothing on and have a quick escape route (standing on a ladder is not a good idea). When you spray the nest, make sure you spray to excess, coating the whole nest and as many wasps as possible. If you are at all unsure, contact your local council or a pest professional.

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FAQs about Wasps

How to get rid of a wasp nest?

To get rid of a wasp nest safely, it depends on the type of wasp nest. For wasp nest that are exposed – you can see the wasps and the individual cells of the nest – you can spray these directly from distance with PestXpert Wasp Jet aerosol. The nest can then simply be knocked down and removed. For nests which are enclosed – which have a paper covering protecting the nest – or are underground (like many European wasps), treatment is more difficult for the DIYer. Learn more about safe wasp nest removal…

What do wasps eat ?

Are paper wasps dangerous?

Do wasps make honey?

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