Residents urged to look out for European wasp nests after massive detection in Albany

Authorities have raised the alarm about European wasps in WA’s Great Southern after finding a nest the size of a bar fridge last week.

It is the second detection in the area during the 2025-26 season, with a nest detected last October in Napier, 20km north of Albany.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Developments removed the bar fridge-sized nest from Mira Mar, after various public reports about wasps at Kanga’s Rock.

European wasps are pests that can affect agriculture production and the broader environment, damaging horticulture and viticulture crops and disrupting native flora and fauna. Their painful sting is harmful to humans, pets and livestock.

European wasps can be easily confused with yellow paper wasps as they are similar size and shape to the common honey bee.

DPIRD European wasp project leader, Kris Armstrong said early detection was vital to preventing the spread of nests.

“The nest removed last week was the size of a bar fridge and ‘overwintered’, meaning it is a nest from last season which survived through the cooler months — allowing the nest to grow to a vast size very quickly this season,” he said.

“DPRID is undertaking additional surveillance in the Mira Mar and Mt Clarence areas to check for any further signs of the invasive wasp.”

The department has urged residents to take precautions and report nests they detect.

Mr Armstrong said the ongoing support of local governments and the community had been vital to the success of the Albany surveillance and eradication program.

“Since 2023 DPIRD has deployed over 500 European wasp traps in the Albany area which has led to the detection and removal of 33 nests,” he said.

“Residents, businesses and local governments can still get involved this season and sign up to DPRID’s Adopt-a-trap initiative to help monitor for European wasps.

For more information on the pest and to sign up to the Adopt-a-trap program visit the European wasp webpage.