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IdentificationHigher risk

How Do I Tell a European Wasp From a Paper Wasp?

Written by PestMan Editorial TeamTechnical review pendingPublished Updated

Quick answer

European wasps are bee-sized, bright yellow and black, fly fast with their legs tucked up, and nest out of sight in the ground or inside walls, with wasps streaming through a single hole. Paper wasps are slimmer, often brown or orange with yellow markings, let their long legs dangle in flight, and build open, grey, umbrella-shaped nests with visible cells.

Why this happens

The difference matters. European wasps are an invasive pest in southern Australia. They are highly defensive of hidden nests that can be very large, scavenge meat and sweet drinks, and can sting repeatedly. Some states ask the public to report them.

Paper wasps are common across Australia. They defend their visible nests under eaves, in shrubs and on fences, but their colonies are much smaller.

What you may be seeing

  • European wasp: about 12–16 mm, black antennae, bright yellow and black bands, legs tucked in flight, often at bins, barbecues and drinks.
  • Paper wasp: slender, longer legs that hang down in flight, brown-orange or yellow-brown, hovering near an exposed grey nest.

What you can do

  • Watch from a distance to see where wasps fly to.
  • Note whether the nest is visible (paper wasp) or hidden behind a hole (European wasp).
  • Check your state’s guidance on reporting European wasps.
  • Arrange professional removal for European wasp nests and any nest near doors or play areas.

What not to do

  • Do not block the entrance hole of a nest in a wall or roof.
  • Do not disturb a nest to get a closer look.
Safety first

Call 000 immediately for any sign of a severe allergic reaction after a sting, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat.

When professional help may be needed

European wasp nests should be treated by professionals. See should I remove a wasp nest myself.

Wasps

Stinging insects that build paper nests under eaves, in shrubs, walls or the ground. Paper wasps are common across Australia; the invasive European wasp is a serious pest in southern states.

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Sources & further reading

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