Wasps are found in large communal nests, so it's best not disturb them, visible as a small entrance hole. Usually found in cavities in walls, ceilings and trees. Worker wasps leave the nest in search of food, and are attracted to meats, sweet food and drink.
By autumn the original queen dies and the new queens disperse to find suitable nesting sites. In cold climates these queens will hibernate in sheltered spots during winter. However, given the warmer Australian winters one new queens tends to stay in the nest and begins laying eggs. After several seasons this can result in giant nests containing more than 100,000 wasps.
Solution
We would be delighted to offer you any of the above services, or assist with identifying and exterminating any other pests not listed on our website.
Please feel free to contact us regarding your requirements, and we can tailor a specific treatment schedule for your business.
Bees & Wasps
Bees usually sting if handled or caught in clothing, but are also known to vigorously defend their nests if disturbed.
Bee stings are barbed and if stung, the sting will stick in the skin and tear away from the bee. This injury kills the bee, but the venom gland (contained in the barb) continues to pump venom through the sting, so it should be removed as soon as possible.
Wasps are usually larger than bees and more vibrant in colour, However, wasps, unlike Bees do not die after stinging it's victim and usually sting more than once.
Features
- Bees are around 13mm in size with short wings
- Rounded in appearance with small hairs on their abdomain
- Wasps grown up to 25mm in size with long wings
- Bright in colour and slim in appearance
Habits
Bees live in colonies and each spring new nest will emerge as a mature queen searches for a suitable nest. The colony grows larger over summer, where it is usually discovered while gardening and moving. Bees attack to defend their nest. Bumble bees don't make holes or tunnels in wood, but will nest in abandoned rodent burrows, under piles of grass clippings or leaves, stones, logs.
(hide/show)Type |
Features |
Nesting Habits |
Feeding Habits |
Photo |
| Bees | ||||
Honey Bee |
The native honey bee does not sting, but may be a nuisance in surrounding areas. It is a much smaller bee and of a different colour. | They nest in and around houses, in trees and in hollow log sections of large stumps. | Nectar from flowers |  |
Mortar Bee |
Mostly large with coloured bands across the abdomen. | They nest in banks of hard soil or sand and in rock fissures when near the coast. Female mortar bees often make their burrows deep into the mortar of houses with brick foundation walls and poor quality mortar, causing damage to the construction. | Nectar from flowers |  |
Wasps |
||||
Paper Wasp |
They are day-flying insects. Their stings may be lethal to those who are allergic to them. | Small umbrella-shaped papery combs hanging horizontally in protected spaces. They can be caught and destroyed more easily and safely at night, when they have congregated on the paper or mud-nest. | Other insects |  |
European Wasp |
The European wasp is now established in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, and will in time occur throughout much of Australia. 12-15mm long with yellow bands on a black body. The European wasp may sting several times when disturbed or agitated (unlike the bee, which dies after a single sting). | They nest mostly in the ground, tree stumps, rockeries, wall cavities and roof voids. Each nest holds over 100,000 workers and lasts 1 year (longer in warmer climates). | Other insects |  |
English Wasp |
The English wasp has been known in Victoria for some time and has similar habits to the European wasp. 12-15mm long with yellow bands on a black body. | They nest mostly in the ground, tree stumps, rockeries, wall cavities and roof voids. Each nest holds over 100,000 workers and lasts 1 year (longer in warmer climates). | Other insects |  |