pest_wasp

WASPS

	Introduction Wasps and bees are beneficial insects for our environment. They are mostly feared for their sting. While bees generally only sting once, after which they loose their sting apparatus, wasps are able to retrieve their stinging mechanism. This can result in being stung a multiple number of times by only one wasp. Both bees and wasps can be very aggressive in spring and summer and will attack anything they consider an immediate threat. The European wasp has gained prominence over many native species, so we have added some extra information on this insect.
The European wasp (Vespula germanica) is native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia. Our Australian records show that the European wasp first reached Tasmania in 1959, where it soon became well established. Wasps and bees are beneficial insects for our environment. They are mostly feared for their sting. At present, the European wasp distribution appears to be restricted to the cool and wet climates of coastal southern Australia. It occurs throughout most of Victoria and Tasmania. In country New South Wales, nests have been located at Coonabarabran. Queensland has a single unconfirmed report from Maryborough. In South Australia, the European wasp is well established throughout the hills surrounding Adelaide and Adelaide itself. And in Western Australia, it has been recorded from Perth and Albany.

The European wasp pest problems are greater in newly invaded places, like Australia, rather than in its home country like Europe. This is for two reasons:

When the wasp invades new countries, it leaves behind all of its old enemies such as predators and parasites.
The European winter temperatures are much colder than those experienced in Australia. Only European wasp queens survive the European winter, meaning that each year, the wasp nest begins with a single individual. In Australia, the temperatures are such that the worker European wasps can survive the winter. This means that if a new queens remains in her old nest, the nest does not begin with a single individual, but with a new queen and several thousand workers. These nests are called "overwintering" nests and by summer may have increased in size to house over 100,000 worker wasps.

The European wasp is attracted to sweet substances including honey. Hence a battle with the owners of honeycomb : bees, often results. Also found around humans due to our love of sweets: lollies, soft drinks etc.

The greatest health risk posed by European wasps is if stung in the mouth or back of the throat. The soft tissue in these areas will immediately swell and may cause breathing difficulties. For this reason, we recommend that you NEVER drink directly from a can or bottle outdoors. The same wasp can sting repeatedly as opposed to a bee which can only sting once.