FOLLOWING the recent warm weather the ACT Government is asking local residents to report European wasp sightings as wasp queens are coming out of hibernation and are actively seeking suitable nesting sites to establish their colony.

“There were 928 European wasp nests reported last season through the ACT Government’s European wasp hotline but with many nests not reported, a new generation of European wasps will soon begin to be seen across the ACT,” Pest and Weeds Officer, Jenny Conolly said.

“After one of the wettest and coldest winters on record it is too early to say if Canberra will have the high number of wasp sightings like last season. In Europe, where this species of wasp originate, nests are often destroyed by the cold winter temperatures. Up to 10 percent of nests survive the warmer Australian winters and many queens find a sheltered hibernation site.

“The European wasp is the same size as the honey bee, approximately 10 to 15 millimetres long, but it is less hairy and folds its wings back at rest. European wasp queens have identical markings and colouring as the worker wasp but are larger, up to 20 millimetres in length, with a very large abdomen.

“European wasp queens must be treated with caution, as they can sting multiple times. The best treatment method is to spray them with an aerosol insecticide. Residents who discover a European wasp nest should call a professional pest controller rather than attempt to treat it themselves.

“European wasp nests can be found in wall cavities, roof and sub floor voids, sheds and in the garden. In the garden, they tend to make a hole in the ground. Wasp numbers will be low for now as the queens establish their nests, but as the spring progresses into summer, nests will grow to tens of thousands of wasps per nest.

“As many Canberrans will be working on their gardens and lawns for their spring clean up, it is advised they have a quick inspection of their property for any uninvited guests taking up residency.

“Last summer a few gardeners were unfortunate enough to be stung, including Mike Bayly from Gardens by Mike, who was stung 12 times and hospitalised as a result of accidentally disturbing a European wasp nest while doing landscaping work.

“CoreEnviro Solutions is a Canberra based environmental pest and weed management Company who as of 1 October 2015 is now running the European Wasp and Insect Advice Service for Canberra. In order to reduce European wasp numbers, we ask the public to report all European wasp nests sightings to the hotline.”

For all wasp reporting and insect identification, please go to ewasp.com.au or phone the European Wasp Hotline on 6258 5551.