Wasp Control Sydney

Wasps may establish nests beneath eaves, inside wall cavities, in trees, sheds, gardens or underground. Some species can become aggressive when their nest is approached or disturbed and may sting repeatedly.

Pest In The West provides professional wasp-nest assessment and treatment for homes and businesses across Sydney. We identify the activity, locate the nest where possible and recommend a suitable treatment.

What wasps look like

What Do Wasps Look Like?

Wasps generally have slender bodies, narrow waists, two pairs of wings and smooth or lightly haired bodies. Their appearance varies by species and may include black, yellow, orange or reddish-brown markings.

Wasps can sometimes be mistaken for bees. Bees are generally hairier and play an essential role as pollinators. If the insects are bees, a beekeeper or bee-removal specialist may be more appropriate.

Avoid approaching the nest to take a close-up photograph.

Common wasps around Sydney properties

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps build exposed, umbrella-shaped nests containing visible cells. Their nests may be attached beneath eaves, branches, fences, sheds and outdoor structures.

European Wasps

European wasps have bright yellow and black markings and live in large communal colonies. Their nests may be underground or concealed inside wall cavities, ceilings, logs and trees, with only a small entrance visible.

Mud-Dauber Wasps

Mud-dauber wasps construct distinctive mud nests in sheltered areas of houses, buildings and outdoor structures. They are generally solitary but may sting when handled or threatened.

Signs of a wasp nest

Signs of Wasp Activity

Possible signs include:

• Numerous wasps regularly entered and left one location

• An exposed paper-like nest beneath an eave or branch

• A small entrance hole with frequent wasp activity

• Wasps are entering gaps in walls, roofing or outdoor structures

• Mud cells are attached to protected surfaces

• Increased wasp activity around food, drinks or rubbish

• A buzzing sound coming from a wall or ceiling cavity

Watching from a safe distance may help identify where the wasps are travelling. Don’t stand near or block the entrance.

Common nesting locations

Where Do Wasps Build Nests?

Wasps may nest:

• Beneath eaves, awnings and verandas

• Inside wall cavities and roof spaces

• Around sheds, garages and outdoor structures

• In trees, shrubs and hedges

• Beneath decks or outdoor furniture

• Inside hollow logs and tree cavities

• In abandoned animal burrows

• Underground in lawns and gardens

• Around fences and retaining walls

• Inside the unused equipment

A concealed nest may be much larger than the visible entrance suggests.

What customers should avoid

Found a Wasp Nest? Don’t Disturb It

If you discover a suspected nest:

• Don’t strike, shake or spray it

• Don’t block or seal the entrance

• Don’t attempt to knock it down

• Don’t mow, trim or dig close to it

• Keep children and pets away

• Avoid sudden movement near active wasps

• Contact Pest In The West for advice

Blocking a nest entrance may cause wasps to search for another exit, including into the building.

Wasp stings

Can Wasp Stings Be Dangerous?

Wasp stings commonly cause immediate pain, redness and swelling. Unlike honeybees, wasps can sting more than once.

Some people may experience a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Call 000 immediately if someone experiences difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, persistent dizziness, collapse or other signs of a serious reaction.

Seek medical advice if you’re concerned about a sting or if multiple stings have occurred.

Professional wasp treatment

How Pest In The West Can Help

Elias will assess the nest location, type of wasp, level of activity and accessibility before recommending a treatment.

Depending on the situation, the service may include:

• Identification of the wasp activity

• Treatment of accessible exposed nests

• Targeted treatment of concealed nest entrances

• Treatment of suitable wall, roof or ground-nesting areas

• Advice about when a nest can be removed

• Recommendations for reducing future activity

Don’t remove or seal the nest immediately after treatment unless Elias advises that it is safe to do so.

Some nests inside structures may require access or repair by an appropriately qualified tradesperson after the wasps have been controlled.

Prevention advice

Helping to Reduce Wasp Activity

You can help make outdoor areas less attractive to wasps by:

• Keeping rubbish bins closed

• Cleaning food and drink spills promptly

• Covering food and sweet drinks outdoors

• Removing fallen or overripe fruit

• Avoid leaving pet food outside

• Inspecting eaves and outdoor structures regularly

• Sealing suitable gaps only after confirming they are inactive

• Keeping garden and storage areas tidy

Not every wasp around a property indicates an established nest. Regular travel to one particular location is a stronger warning sign.