Biosecurity Spotters logo

European paper wasp (Polistes dominula)

Introduced populations of European paper wasps are established in Australia, where they can compete with native paper wasps and prey on insects. Their nests near buildings and other places people work or visit can also create a sting risk when disturbed.

Key facts

Type: Pest animal, invertebrate.

Native to: Palaearctic and Oriental regions.

Established in: VIC, SA, WA.

Best time to act: Look for new nests in spring, when foundress queens begin building, and arrange treatment early while colonies are small.

Identification

  • Adults are slender wasps with conspicuous yellow and black markings and orange-yellow antennae.
  • They have a narrow waist and long legs that often hang down in flight.
  • They build exposed, open paper combs made up of hexagonal cells, without an outer covering.
  • Look for nests in sheltered spots such as under eaves and on buildings or other structures.
  • Look-alike: Native Australian paper wasps can look similar; compare the body markings and nest, and seek expert identification if unsure.
  • Look-alike: The European wasp is a different, stockier wasp; it typically nests in an enclosed nest rather than an exposed open comb.

Where it lives

In Australia it nests in sheltered places around buildings and other structures, and may also nest among vegetation.

Why it matters

  • It competes with indigenous paper wasps for food and can disrupt natural ecosystem processes.
  • It preys on soft-bodied insects, including caterpillars.
  • Nests close to people can pose a sting risk, particularly if disturbed.

How it spreads

  • Foundress queens start nests in spring, and colonies grow as their daughters are raised.
  • New queens can disperse and establish nests, allowing populations to expand into new areas.

Control methods

  • Keep people clear of an active nest and do not knock it down or disturb it.
  • Arrange for a qualified pest professional to assess and treat nests, especially where people may be at risk.
  • Use only products registered for the purpose in Australia, following the label and safety directions; remove a nest only after it has been treated and confirmed inactive.
  • Monitor the site for new nests, and contact the state or territory biosecurity agency for advice about unusual or newly detected populations.

Site hygiene and welfare

  • Inspect vehicles, machinery, containers and stored outdoor gear for nests before moving them between sites.
  • Do not transport an occupied nest; have it treated safely before moving equipment or materials.
  • Use methods set out in the national model codes of practice and standard operating procedures for the species.
  • Coordinate control with neighbours and the local government biosecurity plan, as isolated effort is quickly undone by reinvasion.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): No national listing. Managed under state and territory law.
  • Queensland: Not prohibited or restricted. Not listed as prohibited or restricted matter in Queensland. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: General biosecurity duty. Not prohibited matter in NSW. The general biosecurity duty applies: anyone dealing with it must prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk it poses.
  • Victoria: Not declared. Not declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Other Victorian laws may still apply.
  • South Australia: Not declared. Not declared under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. Other laws may still apply.
  • Western Australia: Not listed. Not found in the Western Australian Organism List. Check with DPIRD before moving or keeping it.
  • Tasmania: Not a declared pest. Not a declared pest or prohibited matter in Tasmania. Importing animals is still controlled by Biosecurity Tasmania.
  • Northern Territory: Not a declared pest. Not on an NT declared or prohibited list. Check with the NT Government before keeping, moving or releasing it.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Not declared. Not declared under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT). A general biosecurity duty still applies.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

  • Victoria: Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Vic), administered by Agriculture Victoria
  • South Australia: Landscape South Australia Act 2019 (SA), administered by the regional landscape board
  • Western Australia: Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (WA), administered by the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Sources