The Australian Paper Wasp (Polistes humulis) are defensive and not aggressive. They may swarm if provoked. Forming paper mulch pyramids often seen around pergolas and eaves typically associated with overfilled or blocked gutters. As the the damage to buildings is often classed as minor building damage and cosmetic in nature, prompt attendance is key.
High traffic areas is where confrontation may occur such as near doorways and windows. As a guide, typically a 10 -12 cm nest may have between 100-200 wasps. If left untreated the nests will continue to grow and have been recorded with 100,000 wasps.
The activity is highest from summer through to late summer.
Simply removing the nests results in the wasps returning to the site to construct again. A nest is still live and will be defended if just knocked down. Some nests are the right size and shape to occlude downpipes. Ensure the pest control cleans and clears the refuge from the building completely.
Most people will experience mild symptoms if stung of pain, swelling and itching if stung. Call our friendly local pest experts for a same day attendance and remedy especially if you or a neighbour has allergies.
Wasps around your property can be disconcerting. Trust leaf it 2 us to quickly and comprehensively resolve the problem for you typically within the same day of being contacted.
Is it a bee or a wasp?
Fuzzy tends to be a bee. Shiny smooth, yellow and black with yellow legs tends to be a European bee. Dangling legs in flight a potential paper wasp. Let our experts identify treat and remove the visitor quickly professionally and safely.
Whilst seen as a worrying pest due to being able to sting repeatedly unlike the bee that stings and dies they have a valuable ecological as they are omnivores not just pollen eaters but insectivores eating spiderlings, flies, caterpillars aphids and other small insects that are also in some situations pest issues for us.
When aggressive the wasp releases a pheromone (a chemical scent) that is a call for back up to other nearby wasps.
Under the large order classification “Hymenoptera”(Greek for membraned wing) here in South Australia, the European (Vespula Germanica) most readily encountered of the Wasp species is highly aggressive. Wasps are not targeting us and avoiding antagonising the wasps and as the wasps is only interested in the food source, typically a sugar fix particularly late in the season. A wasp may travel up to 500metre from its nest in its search for food, however unlike bees typically in a more direct trajectory.
A wasp will build its nest in the ground or wall cavities typically. However there are other sites this may occur. One report of a wasp nest in a musical instrument is worth a note! Observing the flight of the wasp safely (without waving and swiping at the wasp can reveal the location of the nest. Typically shown by higher numbers of wasps around the nest enterance coming and going.
With our licensed working at heights and confined spaces our pest technicians can readily and safely remove or relocate the nest, often at no extra charge.
The solutions may be powder, liquid or chemical free. Our wasp experts will be able to deploy the relevant solution to your situation from the first service visit.
Leaf it 2 us in some cases can resolve the issue without the need for chemicals or insecticides. Every customer and case is different. Where we have staff who are registered bee keepers, education enables our customers to resolve the issue and avoid reoccurrences.