Wasp Nests and When to Remove Them

A wasp nest tucked under the eaves or hidden in a wall cavity is easy to ignore until someone gets stung. Through a Sydney summer these nests grow quickly, and by the time the weather is warm enough for backyard entertaining they can hold hundreds of aggressive insects.

The wasps you are likely to find

Paper wasps

Slender, reddish brown to black wasps that build open, umbrella shaped nests under eaves, pergolas and in shrubs. The nests are usually small and visible. Paper wasps are not overly aggressive but will sting if the nest is disturbed near a doorway or outdoor area.

European wasps

An introduced species and a far bigger problem. Bright yellow and black, they build large nests in wall cavities, roof spaces and even in the ground. European wasps are aggressive, can sting repeatedly and pose a serious risk to anyone allergic. Their nests are often hidden, so the first sign is a steady stream of wasps coming and going from a single point.

Why professional removal matters

It is tempting to knock down a nest yourself, but this is where people get hurt. Disturbed wasps defend the nest fiercely, and European wasp nests are usually larger and better concealed than they look. Simply knocking a nest down does not remove the colony either; the wasps rebuild or relocate.

Professional removal treats the nest with a product that the wasps carry inside, wiping out the colony at the source. The nest is then removed or left to die down depending on the situation.

When to act

• As soon as you notice a nest near a door, window or entertaining area
• If you see a steady stream of wasps entering a wall or roof cavity
• Before summer if you spotted a small nest starting in spring
• Immediately if anyone in the household is allergic to stings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I spray the nest with a supermarket product?

We strongly advise against it. Partial treatments provoke the colony and rarely reach a hidden nest, which puts you at risk of multiple stings.

What if I cannot see the nest?

That is common with European wasps. We follow the flight path to locate the nest before treating it.

Talk to Aries Pest Solutions

If you would like a professional opinion, Aries Pest Solutions is owner operated and services homes right across Sydney. Call Nabil on 0495 024 440 for honest advice and a free, no obligation quote.