Why Wasps are Dangerous
Wasps can also be dangerous to humans for several reasons:
Wasps are stingers, they defend themselves or their nests from any and all threats. A wasp sting can cause pain, swelling, redness, and itching at the site of the sting. Some people may also have allergic reactions to wasp venom, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include chest or throat tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, nausea or vomiting, sweating, dizziness or fainting, anxiety, or hives4.
They can swarm. Wasps are very territorial and will attack anyone or anything that gets near their nest. Some social wasps, such as European, English, Yellowjackets and Hornets, can release alarm pheromones when they feel threatened. These pheromones signal other wasps to join the attack and form a swarm. A swarm of wasps can inflict multiple stings and cause serious injuries or even death.
They can be invasive. Some wasp species are not native to certain areas and can become invasive when they are introduced accidentally or intentionally. Invasive wasps can compete with native species for food and habitat, disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, and harm biodiversity. For example, in New Zealand, German wasps and common wasps have caused economic and environmental damage by preying on native insects and birds.
If you have a problem with wasps around your home or business, here are some tips on how to get rid of them safely and effectively:
Identify the type of wasp. Different types of wasps have different behaviors and nesting habits. Knowing what kind of wasp you’re dealing with can help you choose the best method of removal. For example, paper wasps build nests under horizontal surfaces such as eaves or limbs; bald-faced hornets build nests in shrubs or trees; yellowjackets build nests underground.
Locate the nest. The nest is the source of the problem and the target of the treatment. You can find the nest by observing where the wasps come from or go to. Be careful not to disturb the nest or get too close to it.
Choose the right time. The best time to treat a wasp nest is at night or early morning when the wasps are less active and more likely to be inside the nest. Avoid treating a nest during the day when the wasps are more alert and aggressive.
Use protective gear. Before treating a nest, make sure you wear protective clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves, pants, gloves, boots, hat, and goggles. You may also want to use a respirator or a mask if you’re using chemicals.
Use an appropriate product. There are various products available for treating wasp nests, such as aerosol sprays, dusts, traps, baits, or natural remedies. Choose a product that is suitable for the type and location of the nest, and follow the instructions on the label carefully. Do not use products that are not intended for wasp control, such as gasoline or fire, as they can be dangerous and ineffective.
All About Bees & Wasps
Honey Bee - There are approximately 2000 kinds of bees in Australia, with the honeybee being the most common. Bees tend to swarm in the spring and early summer. Their physical characteristics include a robust body and golden belly bands. It's noteworthy to note that honeybees are an invasive species that were used to pollinate fruit trees and produce honey and beeswax by the first immigrants.
Typically, honeybee nests are constructed in protected areas with simple access to the outside, including as wall cavities, roof spaces, sheds, and garages.
Paper Wasp - In contrast to honeybees, paper wasps have a more slender body shape, a thin waist, a small head, and an overall body length of about 20 mm. Their black abdomen features stripes that are brilliant yellow or orange in color, and their wings have a brown tint. Paper Wasp nests are easily recognized as a collection of open hexagonal cells, frequently resembling an inverted cone that becomes rounder as more cells are added. Paper Wasp nests are typically constructed in the open beneath eaves, on the tops of corrugated fences, or under tree branches. The diameter of the nest itself will be between 10 and 12 cm, and some of the cells will have observable white caps. The sting of a paper wasp is very painful, and unlike a honeybee, a paper wasp's sting isn't torn from its body, so it can strike more than once. They are typically not hostile, but if their nest is disturbed, they will attack. Caterpillars are the primary food source for paper wasps, and they do contribute significantly to our ecology as natural pollinators that also aid in the eradication of minor pests and insects.
European wasps - are introduced species, just as the honeybee, hence they have no natural predators. Their 10 to 15mm long body is shaped like a honeybee, and their bright yellow abdomen has some black banding. Their legs are yellow, and they have clear wings with black antennae. European wasps can make nests in cavities in walls, ceilings, trees, and logs, but they often build them underground, where their entry hole is conspicuous.
A European wasp eats meat, sweet foods, and sweet beverages. Following the hatching of males and new queens, their nests will naturally collapse in their natural habitat in milder European temperatures as winter approaches; however, because of Australia's warmer environment, These nests don't usually fall apart, resulting in enormous nests that can hold millions of wasps.
The European Wasp has a propensity for aggression and can sting repeatedly, especially if its nest is disturbed. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture & Food, which has successfully monitored and trapped European wasps for many years with the aim of eradicating this species, requests that any sightings of the wasp be reported to them.
