Common Wasp, German Wasp (Vespula vulgaris, Vespula germanica)

A temperamental nuisance with the potential to become more serious if they choose to nest in or around buildings or in trees and bushes in gardens. The widely feared wasp for its painful but rarely fatal sting is not always bad news, they can be beneficial in killing many other garden pests but are not always appreciated for their hard work.

Both the common and German are social insects forming colonies inside nests which they construct from scratch. Nests are built from a mixture of wood scrapings and saliva and are often found in roof spaces, trees, cavity walls and underground near root systems.

Thousands of eggs can be laid by a queen in hexagonal cells within the nest in the spring and summer months, legless larvae hatch from the eggs and are fed on chewed inspects and spiders. In return the larvae provide a sweet substance which the workers consume.

Honey bees are often confused by the general public for wasps when a swam settles, if left these swarms often move on. Wasps with have a direct flight path to and from the nests point of entry where as bees tend to be less directional.

It’s important to note that wasps can be dangerous and should be approached with caution. If you are unsure how to safely remove a nest or are dealing with a large infestation, it’s best to contact a professional for assistance.