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This article was published on Wednesday, 11 March, 2015. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

European wasp complaints on the rise

Council is receiving reports of wasps around naturestrips, at CBD outside dining areas, native bushland areas and parkland.

Director Infrastructure Steve Bowmaker said Council will deal with any wasp nests found on council land. “Residents are asked to locate the wasp nest before ringing Council, if the nests are on Council property we will arrange for the nest to be treated by a pest control company,” said Mr Bowmaker.

“March is a peak time for European Wasp populations so we are urging residents to be vigilant. Wasps are attracted by food so if you are having a barbecue, make sure you keep all your food covered and clean up any mess. The other thing to remember is if you are drinking from a bottle or can, use a straw as a wasp may have flown into the container.”

“Nests are usually simple holes in the ground or are sometimes in trees and the wasps generally forage in a 250m radius from the nest,” said Mr Bowmaker. “They are often found near a water supply and nests can sometimes be located by following wasps back to the nest site.”

“Wasps are also attracted to compost heaps and rubbish bins, old or damaged fruit, dog bones in the yard and pet food, and water in ponds, bird baths and swimming pools.”

“If you see any wasps, leave them alone as they are unlikely to attack unless provoked,” said Mr Bowmaker.

“Wasp stings are different to bee stings in that wasps can sting multiple times while bees can only sting once. A wasp sting is characterised by burning pain, raised lump, redness and inflammation.”

What to do if you are stung by a wasp

Clean the area with soap and warm water
Use a cold pack to reduce the swelling
Use pain-relieving medication and creams
If a child is stung more than five times or an adult more than 10 times, call an ambulance (000)
If someone is allergic to wasp venom, call an ambulance.

For more information about European Wasps visit http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/European_wasp