WASPS

Wasps prefer to nest near humans as we supply the majority of their food source. They scavenge for food in school yards feeding on scraps and the remains of sweet soft drink cans. They are attracted to any sweet smelling food as well as ripe fruit in orchards and vineyards, causing serious economic damage to the industry.

In Australia the Queen and her nest can survive the winter and by summer the nest can increase to 100,000.

Wasps aggressively protect their nest and sting repeatedly when attacking. They have the ability to release a pheromone onto the target. This marks the threat and attracts the other wasps to also attack.

Caution should be taken when around wasps as the danger of attack is high. The greatest risk is to be stung in the mouth or throat where swelling can cause breathing difficulties. This is most common when leaving cans of soft drink unattended.