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In Perth, the major pest wasp is the Paper Wasp. Frequently seen flying around pools, and freshly watered gardens and lawns in search of moisture on warm days. Adult Paper wasps make an upside down cone shape nest where they lay eggs. The eggs hatch into worm like larvae. Paper wasps are not native to Western Australia; they were first identified in the region in 1986

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• Species Identification

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 Australian paper wasps, such as Polistes humilis and Polistes australis, are identifiable by their slender bodies and distinctive yellow and black markings.​

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• Nesting Behaviour:

Paper wasps construct nests resembling upside down cones from chewed plant material mixed with saliva, creating a paper-like substance - hence the name paper wasp. Nests are typically found in sheltered areas, such as under eaves, tree branches, sheds, and fence capping.

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• Social Structure:

 

Australian paper wasps are social insects living in small colonies, consisting of a queen who lays eggs and female workers who help with nest building, foraging, and caring for larvae.

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• Diet

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Adult paper wasps primarily feed on nectar and sugary substances, but they also hunt insects, like caterpillars, to provide protein for their larvae.

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•  Behaviour:

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While generally not aggressive, Australian paper wasps can defend their nests vigorously if threatened. It's essential to exercise caution around their nests to avoid stings. Unlike bees, paper wasps are capable of delivering multiple stings.

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• Sting Effects:

 

Their stings can be painful and lead to localized swelling and cause a strong burning sensation. For individuals allergic to wasp stings, severe reactions may occur.

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• Life Cycle:

The life cycle of a paper wasp includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The queen lays eggs in individual cells within the nest, with larvae fed by the workers until they pupate and emerge as adults.

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• Seasonal Activity:

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Australian paper wasps are most active during spring and summer. As temperatures drop in autumn, the colony declines, with only fertilized queens surviving the winter.

If you can see wasps about, but can't see the nest, try to observe where the foraging wasps fly to. Wasp nests left untreated will produce more queens, leading to an increase in paper wasp populations the following year.