Aside from the obvious annoyance of the wasps, their stings can be deadly in large numbers, or to those allergic to them. This is especially true because they do not die like bees do after stinging, but can sting several times. A cold pack can be used to relive the pain. The allergic reaction, which does not always manifest itself with the first sting, is always severe. A form known as anaphylaxis, however, can be deadly. This can include a number of symptoms, including breathing difficulty, red or swelling skin, weakness or collapse, and other symptoms. If you need to know more about first aid for wasp stings, or the allergic reactions, go to the this page at the Victorian Better Health Channel, as this is where I got most of this information myself.

The wasps make their nests out of a grey paper-mache substance, and usually put them in some sort of crevice. This is usually a hole in the ground, though it could be in a wall, hollow tree, or similar location. The nests are usually established in spring, grow through the summer, and die out in autumn, after spawning several new queens. The queens, slightly larger than the workers, usually hibernate over winter, finding a sheltered spot to sleep, but one will sometimes stay in a nest and keep it going through winter. In this manner the nests can grow much larger than is found in Europe, where they do not. The nest location can be found by leaving out some meat, their preferred food, where they can reach it, then noting which direction they go after collecting some. This will be in a straight line to the nest, but as they forage up to half a kilometer, it may be necessary to get your neighbour(s) to help you locate the nest. It can be useful to move the food closer and closer to the suspected location, until you can see them fly into the nest.

Their preferred foods are meat, eaten by the wasps themselves, and sweet things with which to feed the juvenile wasps. To deter the wasps from your yard, and decrease any threat they may pose, it is recommended to:

• Not drink directly out of cans or bottles, (use a straw or glass), as they may have a wasp inside.
• Avoid leaving sweet substances, or meat, where the wasps can reach them, to avoid attracting them
• For some reason, don't let them get at composts heaps.
• Last but not least, leave them alone. If you don't annoy the wasps, they are less likely to annoy you. If you want a nest removed, get professional exterminators to do it, as they have all the equipment and know-how to do so safely.

• ACT Government Insect Identification.
• Victorian Government Better Health Channel.
• Local Government Association SA.
• The CSIRO:
  • European wasp fact sheet.
  • European wasp media release.
  • Insect identification and advice.
• Museum Victoria Australia.
• Australian Museum.