Paper Wasps

Paper wasps make nests of grey papery wood fibre material. The nests are cone-shaped, becoming round as more cells are added. Nests are a maximum diameter of 10-12 cm, with numerous hexagonal cells underneath, some with white caps.
Nests are exposed and suspended by a short stalk under an overhang, often on a pergola, the eaves of a roof or in a shrub
or tree. Wasps cluster on the nest or
forage in the garden and around buildings.

Potter Wasps

The potter wasps are closely related to the paper wasps.
However, potter wasps do not form colonies. They are solitary, and feed on flower nectar and hunt caterpillars to feed their larvae. Potter wasps make mud nests for their eggs and larvae or use abandoned burrows of other insects. They stock the nests with caterpillars and other grubs, which they seal in with mud. These are eaten alive by the wasp larvae.

European Wasp

The European Wasp was first found in Australia in 1959 in Tasmania. By 1978 they were also known in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, and are now firmly established in the Sydney area.

Their nests, which are made out of chewed wood fibre, can be found in ceilings, wall cavities, logs, tree trunks and soil. Colonies are started by a single fertilised queen, which lays an egg in a number of cells in the nest.

These hatch into grub-like larvae and are tended by the queen for a number of weeks. They become the first batch of workers that take over nest construction and rearing of the larvae while the queen concentrates on laying eggs.

The nest grows throughout the summer until a batch of males and new queens are hatched in the autumn. These mate and fly off to start new nests.

In Europe, the nest then disintegrates, but in Australia's warm climate the nest can continue to grow over a number of seasons. This results in giant and potentially dangerous nests of over 100,000 wasps.

European Wasps are aggressive when
their nests are disturbed.


	Paper Wasps Paper wasps make nests of grey papery wood fibre material. The nests are cone-shaped, becoming round as more cells are added. Nests are a maximum diameter of 10-12 cm, with numerous hexagonal cells underneath, some with white caps. Nests are exposed and suspended by a short stalk under an overhang, often on a pergola, the eaves of a roof or in a shrub or tree. Wasps cluster on the nest or forage in the garden and around buildings.			Paper wasps often suspend their nest from the eaves of a house.
	Paper wasps will often attack if they are disturbed or feel threatened. They have some beneficial value as predators of pest caterpillars, however they have a painful sting and will attack any person approaching or disturbing their nest. Nests likely to be disturbed represent a hazard and should be avoided during the day.
			In the event of a sting apply a cold pack. Seek medical attention if the victim is known to be allergic or if symptoms become more severe.
	Potter Wasps The potter wasps are closely related to the paper wasps. However, potter wasps do not form colonies. They are solitary, and feed on flower nectar and hunt caterpillars to feed their larvae. Potter wasps make mud nests for their eggs and larvae or use abandoned burrows of other insects. They stock the nests with caterpillars and other grubs, which they seal in with mud. These are eaten alive by the wasp larvae.
	Sting: Potter wasps have the potential to deliver painful stings, but are not aggressive and rarely attack humans. An ice pack may be used to relieve the pain of the sting. If there is evidence of an allergic reaction, medical attention should be sought.
	European Wasp The European Wasp was first found in Australia in 1959 in Tasmania. By 1978 they were also known in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, and are now firmly established in the Sydney area. Their nests, which are made out of chewed wood fibre, can be found in ceilings, wall cavities, logs, tree trunks and soil. Colonies are started by a single fertilised queen, which lays an egg in a number of cells in the nest. These hatch into grub-like larvae and are tended by the queen for a number of weeks. They become the first batch of workers that take over nest construction and rearing of the larvae while the queen concentrates on laying eggs. The nest grows throughout the summer until a batch of males and new queens are hatched in the autumn. These mate and fly off to start new nests. In Europe, the nest then disintegrates, but in Australia's warm climate the nest can continue to grow over a number of seasons. This results in giant and potentially dangerous nests of over 100,000 wasps. European Wasps are aggressive when their nests are disturbed.
		Unlike bees, they can sting more than once and do not die after delivering their venom. The sting is painful and an ice pack will relieve the swelling. However, some people are allergic to the venom and should seek medical attention if stung.
	Remember that the destruction of nests should be done by someone qualified. Childs Pest Services put your family and pets safety first when it comes to treating wasps and bees around your home. If you have a problem with wasps nests and would like us to get rid of them, or have any problems with pests around your home or business - why not call us today!! Phone: 45777910 Back to our website This newsletter was researched and compiled from information from the CSIRO and the Australian Museum on-line.
© 2007 Childs Pest Services Pty Ltd

Paper Wasps

Potter Wasps

Sting:

European Wasp

Phone: 45777910

Back to our website