There's a new warning about wasp nests as the temperature rises with summer. Residents of Canberra are urged to report any sightings either to a hotline or on an online app.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Officials are worried about potential infestations by European wasps - a breed of wasps brought to Australia by settlers.
“European wasp nests are often hidden, the most common nesting sites in wall cavities, a hole in the ground, roofs and even in conifer trees,” said Jim Bariesheff, a pest officer with CoreEnviro Solutions which is contracted by the ACT government to deal with the problem.
He said that last summer more than a thousand nests were dealt with in Canberra. Some of them were several metres long.
“There were 131 wasp stinging incidents reported, of which 99 were eWasps [non-indigenous European wasps]. With another dry and warm winter now over, we may experience another busy wasp season,” the wasp expert said.
The tell-tale sign of a nest in a hole in the wall or roof is a steady stream of wasps emerging and returning as the day warms up.
"If a nest is disturbed, they can become aggressive in protecting the nest and may sting," Mr Bariesheff said.
"To report a eWasp queen or nest, please contact the European Wasp Hotline on 6258 5551, or use the eWasp app. Once a report is submitted, it is sent to the eWasp team to action. More information can be found at www.ewasp.com.au."
The advice is to treat individual wasps with insecticide but to call in the experts with a nest.
“If stung, a cold pack may be used to relieve the pain. If there is evidence of a more severe reaction or the victim is known to be allergic to wasp and bee venom, medical attention should be sought immediately," Mr Bariesheff said.
