The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is calling on Albany residents to be alert for European wasps, after destroying a dozen nests in the area.
A sharp-eyed member of the public made a report to DPIRD, after noticing wasps drinking from a leaking downpipe at a Napier property, about 20km north of Albany.
European wasp program manager John Van Schagen said DPIRD officers subsequently inspected the area and tracked wasp activity back to 12 underground nests.
“DPIRD officers have set surveillance traps in area, which includes blue gum plantations,” Mr Van Schagen said.
“We urge residents and businesses to be on the lookout for any unusual wasp activity and report any suspect finds to the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service.
“The European wasp is considered one of the worst wasp pests in the world - harmful to people, our outdoor lifestyle, the environment and to our horticultural and agricultural industries.
“I commend the member of the public who made the report, leading to these important detections.”
European wasps look similar to yellow paper wasps but are distinguished by their completely black antennae and shorter legs, which they tuck up under their body when they fly.
Wasps scavenging on pet food, meat, fish or dead animals is also a tell-tale sign.
DPIRD runs a surveillance and eradication program for European wasps which has prevented this pest from establishing in WA.
“Each year fertilised wasp queens arrive in WA as hitchhikers via freight and cargo from the eastern states,” Mr Van Schagen said.
“While detections in the Perth metropolitan area occur each year, it has been about 20 years since European wasp nests were last found in the Albany district.”
Reports of suspect European wasp sightings can be made via the department’s MyPestGuide Reporter app®, the website or by contacting the Pest and Disease Information service on 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.
More European wasp information is available from www.agric.wa.gov.au search ‘European wasp’.
