Bees & Wasps

Bees are generally not considered pests due to their crucial role in pollinating native plants. If there’s a bee nest near your home causing no issues, it’s advisable to leave it undisturbed. A nest situated within your home, typically in a wall or roof cavity, can often be relocated by a registered beekeeper. In cases where relocation isn’t feasible, pest control becomes the necessary option.

The European wasp (Vespula germanica) is an introduced species that drew the attention of Australian entomologists in 1959. Unlike bees, European wasps, known for their repeated stinging ability, become more aggressive, prompting calls to pest controllers in Canberra during the summer months as nests grow in size.

European wasps are known to be more confrontational than bees and may attack humans if their nests are disturbed. Breeding heavily in late spring and early summer in Canberra, they create large communal nests in various locations, including the ground, roof cavities, and walls. Their attraction to pet meat and sugary foods and drinks adds to the concern.

The common paper wasp (Polistes humilis), smaller and less aggressive than the European wasp, still packs a potent sting. Similar to the European wasp, paper wasps begin breeding in spring and conclude in early autumn. They typically build small nests in wall cavities, on fences, and under house eaves. Their diet includes fruit pulp, nectar, and various insects.

The Asian paper wasp (Polistes chinensis), a recently introduced larger and more colorful species than the common paper wasp, exhibits unique behavior. Occasionally engaging in cannibalism when food is scarce, this wasp is established in Australia, with habits and diet similar to the common paper wasp.

The social wasp (Vespula spp.), also known as the yellow jacket, resembles the European wasp but features black dots on its face. Breeding in spring, these wasps construct nests in wall and roof cavities, under eaves, porches, and floors. While starting with an insect-based diet, a colony transitions to sweeter foods over the summer.