Dealing with Wasps
Charles McClintock from Sumitomo Chemical Australia examines the various methods of controlling wasps, including the dangerous European wasp.
January 1, 2019
Pest Control Wasps
Different types of wasps
There are a variety of wasp species that are found around residential properties and businesses in Australia. Many of these are natives species, such as the native paper wasps (which includes the Ropalidia paper wasps), and potter wasps (including the resin potter wasp) and mud dauber wasps.
However, the wasp of most concern in Australia is the invasive European wasp, which arrived in Australia in 1959 and is now in much of eastern coastal Australian and Tasmania.
Murder hornets
Although not present (yet) in Australia, the Asian giant hornet has made its way to the US, where it has been in the news. It is a very large and very dangerous hornet! It’s of particular concern as it’s favourite food is honey bees, so if it makes it into Australia, it could decimate the honey bee population which would impact agricultural production.
Wasps Treatments
To get rid of wasp nests, the treatment depends on the wasp species and location of nest. Typically treatments involved applying liquid or dust insecticide to the nest. Not surprisingly, when dealing with wasp nests it’s important to use the right safety gear.
Wasp Products
Two of the more unique products used to deal with wasp nests are WaspJet long range aerosol and Vespex European Wasp Lure used as a wasp bait.
WaspJet is able to fire a high volume insecticide jet up to 5 metres, which allows pest manager to treat a nest from distance. Vespex European Wasp Lure, allows pest managers to create a highly effective wasp bait to eliminate nests whose location is unknown or cannot be reached.
More information on wasps.