Common Wasp, German Wasp – vespula vulgaris, vespula germanica
Adult size (approx.): 1cm-2cm
Habitat
The Wasp can form nests in loft spaces, cavities, trees, hedges and in the soil. The nest is formed by the Wasp chewing wood creating a paper like material, which can become extremely large. Colonies survive one season in Britain with a new nest starting each Spring by over wintered Queens. They forage on a wide range of foods including sweet substances, Insects and Spiders. They can be aggressive if threatened.
Biology
Egg – Larvae – Pupae - Adult
Eggs: many thousands laid by the Queen in hexagonal cells
Larvae: legless Grubs nurtured by workers within their cells
Pupae: Develop approx in 2 weeks in their cells
Adult: Workers winged with black and yellow stripes with an average size of 12mm. Queens are also winged with the same colouring and are slightly larger.
Importance
Can be a nuisance, particularly if nests are near or within a building. They are feared due to their painful sting, which has been known to be quite dangerous to some, causing Anaphylactic shock. They have been known to carry diseases by feeding from rotten material but are very rare.
Control
Dusts are best used in this instance, preferably from a distance as the dust aggravates them. Smoke bombs can be used to kill live Wasps in confined spaces i.e. lofts but will not kill the Egg and Pupae stages. Nests can be removed at a later date once all wasps have died.
Areas Covered for Wasp Control
Wasp Control & Wasp Nest Removal Essex, London & Kent
Please also see: Services
