Bees and Wasps

Wasp nests

Wasps like to live around people so they are near food and drink. They may build nests under the ground, in walls with holes and in retaining walls. Wasps like sweet food, meat, drinks and moving objects. They are more aggressive than bees and will sting people.

See related links below to remove a wasps nest yourself or to contact a licensed pest controller.

Discourage European wasps

In your backyard:

• pick up fallen fruit or food scraps
• clean up leftover pet food or dog bones
• use rubbish bins with tight fitting lids
• cover compost at all times, and
• cover bird baths and fish ponds with fine mesh or shade cloth.

At a picnic or barbecue:

• cover food
• pour drink from cans into a glass or use a straw – a wasp could be inside the can, and
• wear shoes as stings are often on feet.

Bee swarms

Bees are gentle and usually sting in self-defence.

Bees travel in large groups called swarms. A swarm of bees may stay in the one area for up to two or three days and then leave.

European Wasps nest in the ground and in areas such as rockeries, rubbish heaps and at the base of trees and shrubs, as well as sheltered areas around buildings including roofs, walls and under the eaves. Nests are usually light grey and made from a cardboard like material . Nests are football sized or larger and usually have two to five centimetre wide entrance.

 

Who is responsible for bee swarms and wasp nests?

On private property, the owner of a property must deal with a bee swarm or wasp nest.

On a light pole, contact:

• Powercor phone 132 412, or
• Telecommunication Pit Telstra phone 132 200.

On Council land, parks, pools or buildings, contact Council.  

• *Bee Information Line on 1902 241 059 : the cost of this call is $2.20 per minute including GST, and extra from a payphone or mobile phone (Mediatel).

• Museum Victoria's information on European Wasps.