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Native paper wasps in Adelaide Two species of social wasp are commonly encountered around Adelaide, the introduced European wasp and the native paper wasp. The paper wasp (Polistes humilis Hymenoptera: Vespidae) forms much smaller colonies than the European wasp. Their nests typically range from golf ball to tennis ball size, but occasionally grow much larger. Unlike European wasps, the nest has no outer covering, so if you can see the honeycomb pattern of cells on a wasp nest then it is almost certainly paper wasps. Their nests are usually suspended from beneath branches etc; in the suburbs they are often found attached to overhanging roofs or window ledges. The wasps themselves are darker coloured than the European wasps, and are not so likely to be seen hanging around outdoor events such as picnics and barbeques. |
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Warning
- paper wasps can become very aggressive if their nest is threatened.
They can inflict painful stings. Do not get too close (ie 1-2 metres)
to their nest.
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A paper wasp nest suspended from an overhanging roof |
Don't get this close - paper wasp workers tending their brood |
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Controlling paper wasps Paper wasps are not aggressive unless their nest is threatened. Unlike European wasps they are not interested in human food and drink, so they are seldom a nuisance. However if people are passing close by the nest (ie within 1-2 metres) there is a risk of being stung. One way to destroy a nest is to wait until just after dark (when most of the foragers have returned and the wasps are least active) and spray the nest with insecticide (eg. Raid or Mortein) for 2-3 seconds. The wasps will initially fly off, but the spray should kill them. Do not stand beneath the nest when spraying as some wasps may drop down. Leave the nest in place and spray again the following night to kill any remaining wasps. |
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Last
updated on
March 6, 2002
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