European wasps prefer to nest around human habitation where they can scavenge food and sweet liquids. Large numbers of wasps can be attracted to picnics and barbeques and interfere with outdoor activities.

A European wasp nest commonly contains from several thousand to tens of thousands of individual wasps. If their nest is disturbed, European wasps are more aggressive than native wasps in protecting the nest.

The greatest health risk posed by European wasps is if stung in the mouth or back of the throat. The soft tissue in these areas will immediately swell and may cause breathing difficulties.

DID YOU KNOW ?

European wasp can sting a victim repeatedly. The wasp is also able to release an alarm pheromone (or chemical signal) that 'marks' animals which disturb their nest, attracting other wasps to the sting site.