European Wasps start to emerge

European Wasp queens are coming out from their hibernation period

By Latrobe City Council - 21st December 2001 - Back to News

European Wasp queens are coming out from their hibernation period and residents should be on the alert for increased wasp activity over the coming months, Latrobe City’s Health Services Leader, Mr Andrew Mackintosh, has warned.

Mr Mackintosh said that the onset of the warmer weather encourages the queen wasps to emerge and start a new colony, searching for new nesting sites.

"Often, nests are located in household walls and ceilings or in ground cavities in embankments or rockeries," Mr Mackintosh said.

"The sting of a European wasp can be painful, but in most cases, a single sting is not serious. However, the real danger lies in disturbing a mature nest, potentially leading to hundreds of stings.

"One of the most significant dangers is that of being stung in the mouth, for example, by swallowing a wasp which has got into an open can of drink. The best way to avoid this is to pour soft drinks into a glass or mug where wasps if attracted, can be easily seen.

"Nests can be located by watching worker wasps flying to and from the entrance site. Council can arrange to treat nests on Council land and properties, but removal from private properties is the responsibility of the landowner," Mr Mackintosh advised.

European Wasp nests can be treated by puffing specific insecticide dust towards the base of the nest where the entrance hole is located. This should only be done at night when the wasps are inside the nest, and should only be attempted by those who feel confident to do so and who do not have known allergies to stings from wasps bees or ants.

Information on the treatment or removal of nests can be obtained from Latrobe City’s Citizen Service Centres in Traralgon, Morwell and Moe.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com