The largest Australian wasps are generally the large solitary types, with the Mud-nest Wasp (Abispa ephippium) and the giant spider wasps (like Leptodialepis or Cryptocheilus) often cited as the biggest, reaching up to 30-40 mm long, featuring bright orange/red and black bodies, though Abispa is stockier, while spider wasps are sleeker and hunt large spiders.
The biggest wasp in Australia is generally considered the Australian Hornet Wasp (Abispa ephippium), a large potter wasp reaching up to 40 mm, despite its intimidating look, it's solitary and less aggressive than true social hornets, but other contenders for size include large Cicada-killer Wasps (Exeirus sp.) and Giant Spider Wasps (Leptodialepis sp.), reaching near 30mm, and large Scoliid Wasps like Austroscolia soror (up to 3cm/30mm), all beneficial for controlling pests.
Australia has about 35 species of native paper wasp ranging from 8-26 mm in length. All are yellow, brown or black striped.
The European Wasp (Vespula germanica) is widely considered Australia's most aggressive wasp, known for its highly defensive nature, ability to sting multiple times, and tendency to swarm when threatened, posing significant risks in urban areas and around food. Unlike native wasps, they readily sting and are a major pest, attracted to human food and drinks, building large nests often underground or in cavities, with many entrances.
Asian giant hornets are not present in Australia. If you suspect you have found a Asian giant hornet, you must report it: Call the Exotic Plant Pest hotline on 1800 084 881, Submit an online form, OR.
Abdominal pain. A weak and rapid pulse. Runny nose and sneezing, or swollen tongue or lips. arrest, though rarely there can be failure of kidneys or multiple organs, typically after a relatively large number of stings.
Aircraft. Air Force has 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets which, in conjunction with F-35A Lightning II's and EA-18G Growlers, ensure that Australia's air combat capability edge is maintained.
WD-40 kills wasps by clogging their spiracles (breathing holes), causing them to suffocate, and also by poisoning them; it incapacitates them on contact, grounds them so they can't fly, and its strong odor deters them from nesting in treated areas. It's an effective, though non-traditional, insecticide for knocking down individual wasps or treating empty nest sites to prevent new ones, but it's flammable and not a standard pest control product.
Wasps hate strong, pungent smells, especially from essential oils and herbs like peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and clove, as well as sharp scents from vinegar, cinnamon, and citrus, which can mask food odors and disrupt their navigation. Planting these herbs or using diluted essential oils in a spray bottle can naturally deter them from outdoor areas.
Solitary wasps usually make their nests underground and it is uncommon to see them flying around–these types of wasps are also unlikely to be aggressive and rarely sting since they are not socialized like the honey bee.
If you see a wasp flying near you, do not start running away or swatting at it! It's probably your first reaction to getting away from the wasp as fast as possible, but this just makes the situation worse. In fact, when you start running from the wasp, that's when it will start to chase you.
The spider wasp most commonly encountered is Cryptocheilus bicolor. This is a very large black wasp with orange wings and legs and a broad orange band around its abdomen. It holds its wings up when resting but flicks them when it hops and runs about on its long legs.
The fact is, ordinary liquid soap in a spray bottle works as well as anything I've ever tried when it comes to dropping and killing wasps around the house.
Among the most dangerous are the Asian giant hornet, the paper wasp, and the yellow jacket. These wasps not only pose a risk due to their stings but also because they can attack in swarms, making them a serious threat to anyone who disturbs their nests.
Cicada killer wasps are beneficial insects-they fight high populations of cicadas. As long as you don't bother the cicada killer wasp too much, the two of you should be able to live in harmony.
Tarantula Hawks are the largest wasps in the Family Pompilidae and can grow to an impressive 5cm, but in Australia they 'only' manage to reach 3.5cm. Wasps in this family are all solitary wasps, have a worldwide distribution and are found in a wide range of habitats.
Wasps' weakness for sweets may work in your favour. Lure them to a dish of water and apple juice laced with dish soap: they'll drown.
Wasps and hornets hate the smell of mint. You can plant mint around your house or keep a pot of mint near the areas where these pests are usually found. This will help to keep them away from those areas. You can also use peppermint oil as it has the same effect.
Wasps do not reuse old nests. When the wasps are dead, a pest controller can remove the old nest. This should be done during September, October or April, to minimise the risk of disturbing bats. Any dead wasps in the loft can also be swept up at this time.
The soapy water can also kill bees and hornets. Dish soap works because it helps the water get through the exoskeleton of the wasp, which can then drown the stinging pest.
Hair spray covers a Wasp's wings making flying impossible so that you can kill the wasp or trap it easily. Some hair sprays will kill the wasp on their own.
The United States leads the world in fighter jet technology. Its F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are the most technologically advanced fighters today.
The Australian hornet wasp, with its large orange body and striking black markings, often captures attention and stirs concern. Despite its intimidating appearance, this wasp is not as dangerous as it may seem.
The Boomerang still remains to this day the only fully Australian designed and built fighter aircraft to see production.