Keep an eye out for European wasps
Explore Councils by state
Published on 12 January 2021
This summer West Australians are asked to keep an eye out for European wasps, an invasive pest harmful to people, our outdoor lifestyles and to our horticultural and agricultural industries.
Our community plays a vital role in the early detection and we encourage everyone to be on the lookout and report any suspect finds to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
What to look for
Because of their yellow and black stripes, European wasps may be confused with other already established or native wasps or bees. The main features are:
Wasps feeding on meat, fruit, human food and drinks, pet food, insects and dead animals Flying in and out of a single hole in the ground - 90% of nests are hidden underground Raised legs during flight - all other wasps dangle their legs Black antennae (feelers)Suburbs where we encourage people to be particularly vigilant include Malaga, Martin, Middle Swan, Kewdale, Belmont, Thornlie, Maddington, Welshpool, Kalamunda, Mundaring, Canning Vale, Gosnells, Orange Grove, Aubin Grove, Burswood and Banjup.
Anyone working in or visiting the Swan Valley is asked to keep a lookout following two detections in Middle Swan last season.
How to report
Suspect European wasp reports can be made online at mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au by using the MyPestGuideTM Reporter app or by contacting the Pest and Disease Information Service on +61 08 9368 3080 or email [email protected]
Visit the DPIRD website for further information.