This section provides information and advice on dealing and eliminating wasps and their old nests.
The common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) is generally regarded as a nuisance.
They are social insects, forming colonies inside nests specially constructed in soil banks, roof spaces and in cavities in trees and walls. They are, therefore, frequently associated with domestic housing.
Wasps can also be regarded as beneficial insects and the gardener's friend. As the nest develops during the spring and early summer, the queen and the first workers prey upon more harmful insects and scraps of meat to feed the larvae. They therefore help control insect pests and clear carcasses. They are normally too busy at this stage to be a nuisance.
Later in the season, as the larval rearing is reduced, the workers search for sweet substances (causing damage to ripening fruit) and can become a significant nuisance.
Sprays for the eradication of wasps and nests can be purchased over the counter at hardware stores. They are easy to use and usually very effective.
