Wasp information
German Wasp
This wasp is slightly larger than a honey bee. It has a black head and thorax, and yellow and black striped abdomen with black spots separate from the central black stripes. German wasps generally nest underground but sometimes in hollow trees and the walls and roofs of buildings.
Common Wasp
This wasp is very similar in appearance to the German wasp but can be distinguished by not having separate black dots on its abdomen as the dots are fused to the black rings on the abdomen. Common wasps also nest underground.
Asian Paper Wasp
These wasps are slightly smaller than the German and common wasps. The Asian paper wasp is also yellow with black strips. Paper wasps are distinguished when flying as their long legs dangle beneath their bodies. Paper wasps build elaborate, bell shaped 'paper mache' nests with hexagonal cells which they suspend from branches, letterboxes, under the eaves of buildings and many other suitable structures.
Australian Paper Wasps
Australian paper wasps have been in New Zealand since the 1880s. These wasps are smaller than the Asian paper wasp. The Australian paper wasp is easily identified by its black and reddish brown colouration.
Living with Wasps
Common and German wasps are aggressive by nature and may attack humans and animals without provocation. Common and German wasps attack bee hives and therefore pose a threat to the apicultural and horticultural industries. Common and German wasps prey on native fauna posing a threat to endangered species of insects.
Paper wasps are less aggressive but will defend disturbed nests which are often located in urban and coastal areas. Paper wasps have been known to chew weather boards on buildings for wood fibres with which to make their nests. Paper wasps prey on many garden insects.
Wasps are attracted to sugars, meat and food in general. If you are eating outdoors they will probably show an interest in your food. Don’t panic or make frantic movements. Just brush them away quietly or move indoors if they persist.
About 10% of people are allergic to wasp stings. These people should carry antihistamine tablets with them at all times. If you receive a sting on the head, face or neck, you may be restricted from breathing because of swelling. In these cases, you should seek medical attention immediately. If you get stung, apply antihistamine cream (available from your chemist) or a cold compress. This will reduce the pain and swelling. Wasps don’t usually leave their sting in (bees do) and male wasps do not have a sting at all.
How to find a Wasp Nest
To locate a wasp nest look for the wasps' flight path at dawn or dusk on a warm sunny day when large numbers will be leaving or returning to the nest. Use a plate of cat food or similar to attract the wasps. As they land sprinkle them with flour to make them more visible. Follow the wasps as far as you can and repeat the process until the nest is located.
Destroying a common or German wasp Nest
If you are allergic to wasps or do not wish to carry out the extermination yourself commercial pest controllers can be found under 'Pest Control' in the Yellow Pages. Do not attempt to destroy a wasp nest during the daylight hours. Night time or twilight on cool days is the best time to deal with the nest. Do not hold torches near to you as disturbed wasps may fly at the light.
Destroying a common or German wasp Nest
- Nests found in flat ground can be destroyed by upending a bottle containing 1 litre of diesel or petrol into the nest opening.
- Leave the bottle in the entrance to prevent any wasps from emerging.
- Do not light the fuel.
- Nests located in banks, walls, tree trunks or buildings require the use of insecticides.
Destroying a paper wasp nest
To kill the wasps in the nest simply spray with household fly spray. Manoeuvre a plastic or paper bag over the nest and clip it off at the stem before sealing the bag and disposing of it in the rubbish.
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