Nest Treatment:

1. Depending on the location of the nest, your local council “may” treat the nest however this is usually where it’s not on private property.

2. There are professionals you can pay to treat/kill the nest. Look them up online.

3. You may be able to treat the European wasp nest yourself? Unless you have experience exterminating wasps, it’s best to call a professional if you find a nest.

Remember its your responsibility to assess and follow safe practices including using personal protective equipment as wasps can and will sting repeatedly and fiercely defend their nest even after dark. The information provided here is simply an overview only and is not a comprehensive risk analysis or step by step work instruction as there are too many variables to cover including but not limited to: nest location, nest size, personal knowledge/skill level/experience, allergies and PPE.

Some of the areas to consider (there are many more) before personally treating a nest are:

• When to treat the nest: At night wasps are less active and most are back in the nest.

• Touch light: A red light torch is recommended as wasps cannot see red light. If you use a white light, wasps will fly straight at the source of the white light which makes you a target.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Protective clothing such as a full bee suit and layers of clothing underneath is strongly advised.

• Mark the nest site: It can sometimes be quite difficult to find the nest site again after dark so marking the nest position in daylight with a quick spray of white or line marking paint or chalk powder can assist.

• Treatment during daylight hours: Treatment of the nest can be done during daylight hours however be aware they can and will attack you or anyone in the vicinity. Extra care must be taken with personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Safe exit: Ensure you can make a safe exit away from the nest site without tripping or falling.

• Treatment options: There are some great “off the shelf” wasp nest treatment options including powders/dusts that can be squirted into and around the entrance hole. Spray the nest entrance liberally with household surface spray to force any guard wasps back into the nest. Placing the nozzle into the entrance hole and giving 3 good squirts/puffs of the powder applicator bottle is usually all that’s needed. Withdraw and walk away. Wasp activity will track insecticide through the nest. Checking the nest 48 hours later should result in reduced activity but can be up to 7 days before the nest has died. Occasionally a follow up treatment may be required.

• Nests inside House roof and walls: These can be can be difficult to access and treat. Calling a professional pest controller may be your best option.