Wasp Nests & Bee Swarms

Council offers an information service to members of the public who have wasp nests and/or bee swarms on their property. Council will eradicate wasps from Council land.

Location

Inspections and Enforcement, Ground Floor, Main Administration Building, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt.

Hours Available

For Customer Call Centre and Main Administration Building, Monday to Friday (except public holidays) from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.

In an emergency outside these hours call the After Hours Emergency Number.

Fees and Charges

(All fees and charges include GST)

The information service is provided free of charge. Council is not permitted to carry out work on private property. Eradication or removal of wasps or bees from private property may incur a cost from the company or contractor carrying out the work. 

Dealing with Bee Swarms

• Bees are generally docile and will not harm you if left undisturbed.
  
• Do not attempt to hose the bees.
  
• Do not attempt to smoke them out of their resting place.
  
• Call a local beekeeper for advice and assistance if the swarm settles and remains in one place. Contact Alan Kilmister, tel. (04) 565 1641, or Ivan Peterson, tel. (04)526 9180, a fee may be charged for transport and collection costs.

Dealing with Wasp Nests

• Wasp nests should not be eradicated during daylight hours.
  
• To eradicate a wasp nest, sprinkle Permethrin dust over the entrance to the nest at dusk or at night. Permethrin can be obtained from local garden centres, hardware stores and supermarkets.
  
• It is not recommended that kerosene or petrol be used for eradicating wasp nests due to the risk of fire or explosion hazards.
  
• For further advice please contact the Inspections and Enforcement Division.

Further information and pictures on wasps