European wasps populations asked to be reported

A European wasp. Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

Now that it is over halfway through autumn, Yarra Ranges Council are asking residents to be on the lookout for European wasps.

Yarra Ranges Council are asking that if you locate a wasp nest on Council land, clearly mark the site for easy identification (for example, tying a ribbon to a nearby landmark) and report to Council by calling 1300 368 333 or emailing mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au so a pest controller to attend. Please include an image of the location when emailing.

Wasps can fly a long way from the nest to forage, so just seeing wasps in an area doesn’t always mean there is a nest nearby. Nests are usually found in cracks or crevices and there will be intense activity, with wasps leaving and returning to the nest frequently.

Private landholders are responsible for treating wasp nests on their land, and wasp removal should always be completed by a trained contractor.