Territory and Municipal Services wasp expert Dr Philip Spradbery said more than 700 nests had been reported in the ACT since the beginning of 2015 and is urging people to continue reporting nests.

"This year, in terms of the number and size of the nests being reported, wasp activity is the highest it has been since the European wasp was first reported around Canberra in 1984," he said.

"I have answered more than 1700 phone calls about wasp activity and stinging episodes this year, which is significantly higher than the number of calls made to the Wasp Hotline last year."

Last month a Canberra man was taken to hospital after he was attacked by European wasps while driving a bobcat.

Dr Spradbery said the high number of wasps was probably the result of south-east Australia's dry spring weather last year while single queens were setting up nests.

"This is their most vulnerable stage, and the favourable conditions have ensured the survival of a greater than average number of queens," he said.

"With wasp colonies rearing the new crop of queens – and possible populations of 3000 workers per colony – the wasps will need to increase foraging activities.

"The need to locate and destroy nests is now greater than ever."

Dr Spradbery said wasps invaded homes and gardens, fresh food markets and outdoor eating places in their search for food.

"The young wasp larvae or grubs require a protein-rich diet which is collected in the form of insects and spiders and also pet food, meat at barbecues and picnics as well as carrion including road kill," he said.

Dr Spradbery said TAMS staff had been searching parkland and started baiting, with animal proof baits placed at sites with high wasp concentrations.

Nests can be reported to the European Wasp Hotline on 6162 1914.

People stung by European wasps should apply an ice pack to the area. Residents experiencing difficulty may be having a severe allergic reaction and should seek medical attention immediately.