The European wasp is considered one of the world’s worst wasp species. They are aggressive stingers and scavenge human food and drinks.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is asking for Cockburn residents' help to prevent the pest from gaining a permanent foothold in WA.
Six European wasp nests have been found in Cockburn over 2018-19. However, there have been many more sightings, which means there are more nests out there to find and report.
It is important that as many nests be discovered as destroyed before the winter weather really sets in. As we move into winter, wasps lose interest in the protein lures used to locate and track them back to their nests. Once their food drive switches away from protein to sugar, these wasps, and their hidden, mostly underground nests will become near impossible to locate.
Areas where there has been a high level of wasp activity include Banjup, Beeliar, Munster and Wattleup.
How can I tell the difference between European wasps and other species?
European wasps do look similar to other insects, including the yellow paper wasp.
However, they have several distinctive characteristics that make them easy to identify:
- They have black antennae (compared to the orange/brown antennae of paper wasps).
- They are drawn to fish and meat.
- They have shorter legs that are raised during flight.
- They nest underground and can be seen flying in and out of a holes that are these nest’s entry points.
Use the image on this page as a guide if you need.
How can I report a sighting?
You can
make a report online with MyPestGuideTM Reporter.
Or call 9368 3080
Remember, every report counts. Even the most seemingly unimportant report has led to the location of nests.