Warmer weather means wasps are coming out of hibernation in Canberra, with Transport Canberra and City Services’ (TCCS) wasp experts encouraging residents to report sightings via a wasp reporting app.
Senior Pest and Weed Officer for TCCS experts CoreEnviro Solutions, Jim Bariesheff said European wasp nests were often hidden.
“The most common nesting sites are in wall cavities, holes in the ground, roof voids and even in conifer trees,” Mr Bariesheff said.
“When a European wasp queen makes her nest in one of these locations, a steady stream of wasps will be seen leaving and returning to the nest as the day warms up,” he said.
“If a nest is disturbed, they will become aggressive and sting to protect their nest.”
Mr Bariesheff encouraged residents to report nests and sightings through the eWasp mobile app or on the eWasp website.
“The app has an easy-to-use GPS mapping tool that allows the user to report a nest or sighting by dropping a pin on the location,” Mr Bariesheff said
“It also provides access to camera capability when reporting nests or identifying wasps,” he said.
“If stung by a wasp, a cold pack may be used to relieve the pain.”
Mr Bariesheff said medical attention should be sought immediately if there was evidence of a more severe reaction or the victim was known to be allergic to wasps.
The eWasp app can be downloaded at the Apple App Store and Google Play, further information is available on the eWasp website at this PS News link.
