Please find below some information about European wasps and links to further
information. Also included is information about the use of baits under permits issued by the
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
General information on European wasps is available on the DPIPWE website
(http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/CPAS-5Y9793?open).
A draft factsheet is available on the Wine Tasmania website for comment: Wasp
Management in Tasmanian Vineyards
(http://winetasmania.com.au/resources/downloads/Wasp_management_APR2013.pdf).
Please note that information contained in this factsheet on baiting using fipronil* meat baits
and permethrin* baits is out of date. See the information under baiting for current baiting
permits.
Locating and destroying nests is the most effective method of controlling European wasps.
Nests are usually simple holes in the ground, trees or buildings and are recognised by large
numbers of wasps entering and exiting. There is usually only one entrance hole but there
may be several in large nests. Nests can sometimes be located by following wasps back to
the nest site, especially on dusk. Wasps generally forage in a 250m radius from the nest but
can travel further.
Wasp nests should be treated with extreme caution as disturbance may provoke wasps to
attack and multiple stings can be life threatening. Let someone know where you are and
what you are doing if you are attempting to control European wasps. Registered pest
controllers are recommended to locate and destroy wasp nests.
The general method for nest destruction is as follows:
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Proceed with caution and do not poke foreign objects into the holes or otherwise
disturb the nest.
Treat at night when wasps are less active.
Ensure you have a good escape route to a safe location.
If torchlight is required, cover torch with red cellophane.
Let someone know where you are and what you are doing.
Apply a registered insecticide* to thoroughly coat the nest entrance as instructed on
the chemical label. Certain permethrin products (10 g/kg Permethrin) are currently
(February 2014) registered for European wasp control in the home garden.
Wear protective clothing as instructed on the chemical label.
Re-apply insecticide if wasp activity continues.
Rain and heavy dew can reduce the effectiveness of wasp control dusts.
Baiting permits:
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Permethrin* baiting permit for use within berry crops is valid until 30 APRIL 2017
(PER12763: http://permits.apvma.gov.au/PER12763.PDF). Persons who wish to
prepare for use and/or use products for the purposes specified in this permit must
read, or have read to them, the details and conditions of this permit.
Fipronil* meat bait permit for use in Vineyards, horticultural crops, public parks and
reserves, outside eating areas and residential areas where the nest cannot be
located or reached is valid until 31 MARCH 2019 (PER14556:
http://permits.apvma.gov.au/PER14556.PDF) contact David Sanderson (Wine
Tasmania) on 0408 892 542 for details. Persons who wish to prepare for use and/or
use products for the purposes specified in this permit must read, or have read to
them, the details and conditions of this permit. Persons who can use the product
under this permit is restricted to licensed pest controllers, government and local
council employees, and primary producers only.
(*) Important note on chemical use: Agricultural chemicals, including insecticides, are not to
be used for any purpose or in any manner contrary to the label unless authorised under
appropriate legislation. Before using a chemical, read and adhere to the instructions for use
on the label. For information on registered chemicals and current off-label permits, visit the
APVMA website (www.apvma.gov.au).