European wasps

European wasps are a declared and dangerous pest that pose a risk to health, safety, agricultural and horticultural industries, and the environment in which we live.

Early detection of wasp activity is critical to prevent the wasps from establishing in Western Australia.

If you sight a European wasp, contact the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD):

• using MyPestGuide Reporter app or online tool, or
• by emailing photos and information to [email protected]

How do you identify a European wasp?

The European wasp has distinct behaviours among wasp species and other insects in WA, which make it easy to identify.

Look wasps with for the following features and behaviours: 

• feeding on meat, fruit, human food and drinks, pet food, insects, or dead animals 

• flying in and out of a single hole in the ground — 90% of nests are hidden underground 

• flying with raised legs — all other wasps and bees dangle their legs in flight 

• black antennae — similar paper wasps have orange-yellow antennae. 

Because of their yellow and black stripes, several wasps, bees, and flies can be mistaken for European wasps. 

For more information, download DPIRD’s European wasp identification card.