‘Nasty pests:’ Giant 40 litre European wasp nest found in Albany suburb on Western Australia’s south coast
A giant European hornet nest lies in a suburban area on the southern coast of Western Australia.
The 40-litre slot was about the same size as a pub fridge and was removed by officers from the Department for Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
They followed up three reports of European bumblebee activity around Kanga Rock at Mira Mia in Albany, 420km south of Perth.
This is the second detection in the Albany area after another nest was found about 20km north of Napier last October.
DPIRD warned that “nasty pests” affect agricultural production, the environment and social well-being, damage crops, disrupt local flora and fauna and harm people and animals with their painful stings.
A DPIRD spokesman said European hornets can be confused with yellow paper hornets and are similar in size and shape to the common honey bee, with a bright lemon yellow body, black stripes, yellow legs and black antennae.
“They feed on proteins and sweet foods and are attracted to meat, fish, dead insects, pet food and sugary drinks,” a spokesman said.
DPIRD European hornet project leader Kris Armstrong said early detection of European hornets was vital to prevent nests being established and spreading.
“The nest that was removed last week was the size of a bar fridge and ‘overwintered’ means it was a nest from last season that survived the cold months, allowing the nest to grow to a large size very quickly this season,” he said.
“DPIRD is conducting additional surveillance in the Mira Mar and Clarence Mountain areas to check for further signs of the invasive wasp.”
Mr Armstrong said local government and community support were vital to the success of the Albany surveillance and eradication programme.
DPIRD has set more than 500 European bumblebee traps in the Albany area, leading to the removal of 33 nests since 2023.
People can still get involved, set a trap and help monitor invasive species, Mr. Armstong said.
“The more eyes we have on the ground, the better we can help find nests and eliminate invasive pests before they become established,” he said.
