A massive 40-litre nest of European wasps – one of the world’s most invasive and aggressive wasp species – has been discovered in the regional Western Australian city of Albany, shocking locals and raising concerns about the potential spread of the pest.
The nest, an astonishing sixteen times the average 2.5-litre size, was found in bushland near suburban backyards, prompting immediate action from authorities and residents. Albany remains the only city in WA without an established European wasp population, making the discovery particularly alarming.
Albany city councillor and environmental advocate Lynn MacLaren said she first learned of the nest when a concerned neighbour approached her.
“One of the neighbours had seen them, recognised them, and alerted the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD), who were in the neighbourhood letting us know that they were on the lookout for the nest,” MacLaren said.
She added that DPIRD provided leaflets and guidance to neighbours and local bushcare groups, encouraging them to be vigilant for the wasps. “We were all on the hunt for these little wasps that dig into the soil,” she said.
The nest’s exact location was identified through a combination of public reports and DPIRD surveillance. Using baits to triangulate the area, authorities eventually found the “huge” nest – roughly the size of a bar fridge – at a small granite outcrop in the Mira Mar suburb.
“It was pretty scary,” MacLaren said. “Once we saw it, it was huge, underneath two trees and partially inside one of them. We had to remove the tree to extract the nest, which had already caused some damage. They have pretty nasty stingers, so disturbing them could have been dangerous.”
DPIRD acted quickly to remove and destroy the nest, including its three queens, halting the immediate threat.
The European wasp (Vespula germanica) is now widespread in most parts of Australia, except for WA. Kris Armstrong, DPIRD’s European Wasp Project Lead, explained that while eastern states have largely abandoned eradication efforts due to established populations, WA continues a strict eradication program.
“Every year, queens hitchhike across from the eastern states on freight,” Armstrong said. “The severity of each year’s threat depends on the wasp season in the eastern states and how many make it here.”
Armstrong noted that WA’s south coast offers an ideal environment for the species, with its Mediterranean climate allowing wasps to survive year-round, unlike their Northern Hemisphere counterparts that die off in winter.
Since 2023, DPIRD has removed 33 European wasp nests in the Albany area alone. Armstrong said that while thousands of surveillance traps are in place across the state, reports from the public are crucial.
“They see things where traps aren’t, so any reports help enormously in keeping them out,” he said.
European wasps are often confused with paper wasps, which have distinctive black and yellow antennae. Unlike paper wasps, European wasps nest in holes and are particularly attracted to protein-rich and sugary foods. Armstrong said anyone spotting wasps eating food or protein should contact authorities.
“I would rather investigate 1,000 false alarms than risk missing one European wasp that could get out of control,” he said.
DPIRD urges the public to report any suspected sightings, even if uncertain, to prevent the establishment of this invasive species in WA. Early detection and rapid response remain critical in stopping European wasps from spreading and threatening both human safety and local ecosystems.
