Pest control

There are many different species of wasps, the most common is called a yellowjacket. They have bright yellow and black stripes and a distinct narrow waist. These types of wasps can be aggressive and can sting multiple times when defending themselves or their nests.

Hornets are a larger type of wasp, and these are usually brown and yellow in colour, they are less likely to sting unprovoked however are highly territorial and defensive of their nests.

Wasp activity

Wasp season typically runs from April to October, with peak activity and nuisance behaviour occurring in August and September when their food source dwindles, this makes them more aggressive around humans and more likely to sting. 

As the weather cools off in October wasp populations begin to die off.

Nests

Appearance - grey in colour, papery and often have a swirled pattern.

Size - start off small (golf ball size) but will grow larger (football size) as wasp activity increases.

Location – can be found in areas such as attics, eaves, wall cavities, bird boxes and sheds.

Active nests – wasps can be very aggressive and if a nest is causing a nuisance, then it is best treated professionally.

Inactive nests - wasps never re-use an old nest, so if you are certain that there is no activity it can simply be removed and disposed of. Any nest found during the winter will be inactive and can be safely removed.