Very high wasp numbers indicate a nest or nests within several hundred metres. Efforts should be made to locate these nests and destroy them, as large numbers of wasps have a great effect on hives in an apiary.

Flying wasps can be tracked early morning or at dusk when other insects such as bees and flies are not flying. Wasps can be dusted with flour or icing sugar to make them more conspicuous.

Wasps can be dangerous so take the following precautions:

• Carry out the work in the evening, after the wasps have ceased flying.
• Wear gloves and a veil, if available.

Nests in the Ground

Flying wasps entering and leaving a small hole in the ground usually indicate that an underground nest lies beneath. There are various ways of exterminating ground nests, the more successful of which are:

• Dust insecticide around and into the entrance of the nest when all the wasps have returned for the night. Use about 50g (about 2 tablespoons) or more of the insecticide powder, and do not plug the hole.
• It may take a few days to kill all the wasps, as young wasps will continue to emerge from the brood combs. It may be necessary to repeat the operation after about 7 days. When all adult wasps have died, the hole should be blocked to prevent newly hatched wasps from emerging.
• Always follow the label instructions; all modern insecticides demand respect for their toxic properties when being handled.

Nests in Roofs and Basements

A method of wiping out a nest in the roof or basement is:

Use a ‘Borer bomb’ – simply place the ‘bomb’ in a tin (to reduce fire risk), place near the nests in the evening and ignite. Notify the fire brigade to prevent false alarms.

Nests in Walls

If the wasps are entering a wall through a small hole the following methods can be used to destroy the nest.

Cut off about 100mm of a hose which can fit in the hole. Pack powdered insecticide into it and tap the hose until the powder has compacted to one side. Place the hose in the hole. Wasps must then walk over the insecticide to gain access to their nest. All other possible entrances must be blocked.

Blow the insecticide in. Pack one end of a suitable length of garden hose with about 50g (2 tablespoons) of insecticide. Place the end with the powder in the entrance to the nest, the other end in the mouth and then blow sharply.

Nests in the Open

In the evening, thoroughly soak nests with concentrated insecticide solutions, or place powdered insecticide around next entrance. After the wasps are dead, move the nest to a safe place and burn it.

 If you have any queries please contact:

any Clutha District Council Service Centre
or Clutha District Council
P O Box 25, 1 Rosebank Terrace
Balclutha
Phone (03)419 0200

Wasp nest disposal charges

The council is able to destroy wasp nests on private property at a standard charge rate of $41.00. However if the nest is on a public area (road verge, park etc.) the Council will undertake to destroy the nest for free.

Please advise the Council of the location and it will be attended to as soon as practicable.

For "do it your selfers " the Council keeps a supply of insecticide for sale at council office and service centres, or supplies are available at hardware and garden supply stores.

Remember -  If you are allergic to wasp stings it would be wise to call in somebody else to destroy the nest.