Wasp Patrol
How to locate nests
Finding and killing the nests is the most efficient way to reduce wasp numbers. It takes patience and keen observation. The two main strategies to find nests are "follow the wasp" and "look in the likely spots".
"Follow the wasp" is based on the fact that wasps fly from their source of food or raw material to the nest in a straight line. Follow that line and you will come to the nest which will be a stream of wasps going in and out of a hole in the ground, wall or roof. This method can be enhanced by putting out some food like cooked chicken - wasps fly slower when they have a full load and are easier to follow. However if the infestation is bad you can expect there to be multiple nests and wasps flying in all directions.
In this case it may be easier to systematically "look in the likely spots". Likely spots include creek banks, piles of dirt, long grass, where people have dumped garden waste, undisturbed areas. Most nests are near water, willow or poplar trees and/or cape ivy - raw materials for their nests. Stop and watch wasp movements and you will be able to locate the nests to report or kill. Don't assume after a kill that the area is clear. You will probably have found the big nests first and there may be others.
Choosing the right time of day can make the task of locating the nest easier. Early to mid morning and mid to late afternoon are best. Look into the light but block out the sun and you will see insects flying clearly against a shadowed background. You will learn to recognise wasps.
Caution: if you are walking around in undisturbed areas be sure to dress appropriately. There may be other dangerous creatures lurking - I've not seen many ... but they may be there.
You are out walking. What would you see to indicate the presence of a European wasp nest?
Watch carefully and follow the wasps home...
Watch this video clip and see if you can work out where the nest is ...