The European wasp may kill
John Macmahon
-
The WA Department of Agriculture has again issued an alert for people to be on the lookout for the European Wasp. Several colonies have been located and eradicated so far this year. The breeding season is just beginning.
The wasp's habit of flying into soft drink cans and bottles can present a serious danger especially to children. The European Wasp also feeds on meet products and may invade a pie or sandwich.
A wasp sting inside a child's mouth or throat can cause rapid swelling. This swelling may be sufficient to block breathing and cause death. Some people are very allergic to insect stings especially wasps and bees, which increases the risk of serious consequences.
There is always the danger that a person walking near a colony of the wasps may break through the roof of an underground nest and find themselves stung by the angry wasps. Children are severely at risk from this happening. Seek immediate medical attention if such an event should occur.
The wasps wings are long and transparent, the antennae black and legs mostly yellow. Queens which are usually only seen in winter and spring, are larger than the 10-15mm worker wasps. The nest is nearly always concealed, commonly underground or in a roof or wall cavity. The wasp may also establish colonies in hollow logs and drain pipes.
The European Wasp tucks its legs up under its body when in flight. This is opposite to the Australian Paper Wasp which trails its legs while airborne. The Paper Wasp is soemtimes mistaken for the European Wasp. The Paper Wasp is relatively harmless except to people with an allergy to their bite.
Sightings should be immediately reported to the WA Agricultural Departments, Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3666 or Freecall 1800 084 881.
European Wasp. Picture by CSIRO.
