do not sting. The sting is painful and may induce an allergic reaction to some.
Size, Shape and Colour: 10-20mm, slender waist, a recognisable distinct banding in bright yellow and black,
two pairs of membranous wings. The males have 13 segmented antennae and 7 visible abdominal tergites,
the females have 12 segmented antennae and 6 visible abdominal tergites (as in picture above).
Biology: In mid april the Queen emerges from hibernation, eggs are laid in the 10-20 chambers which have
been pre-constructed by the queen. From these chambers sterile female workers emerge and by late summer
the colony can reach as many as 3,000-30,000 individuals. Males and young queens are produced in late
summer. They mate and the young queens fly off to seek an hibernation site to see them through the winter
period.
Preferred Foods: Protein is the favoured food in the spring & early summer, then after this the diet changes
for high sugar content food stuffs such as, iced cakes, chocolate products, fruit juices, jams. Dustbin waste
matter is also attractive. Worker wasps will also capture catepillars and other insects.
Habitat: Common throughout UK. Nests can be found in roof spaces, redundant voids, woodland tree areas
and even sometimes under foot.
Control Measures: Challenge Services can provide comprehensive treatments against Wasps and wasp nests
along with practical advice.
If you require any further information simply call us on the freephone number below.
CHALLENGE 24 HOUR PEST CONTROL SERVICES 0800 612 6965