A mud wasp nest near your home, balcony or a shared area can be concerning. Before trying to remove it, identify who is responsible for the location and consider whether professional help is needed.
Can you remove a mud wasp nest safely?
Avoid disturbing a nest if you are concerned about stings or cannot safely access the area. Do not climb, work near edges or use a removal method that could put you or other residents at risk.
If the nest is close to a doorway, walkway, balcony or other regularly used area, keep people away where practical and notify your body corporate or building manager. A qualified pest professional can assess the nest and recommend a suitable treatment.
For more information about pest issues in community titles schemes, see our guide to pest control in strata properties.
Is the nest on your lot or common property?
The location matters because responsibility depends on the boundaries shown on your scheme’s survey plan and the regulation module applying to the community titles scheme. The survey plan identifies the boundaries between lots and common property.
A lot owner must maintain their lot in good condition, while the body corporate must maintain common property in a good and structurally sound condition. Maintenance can include work needed to prevent damage.
If the nest is inside your lot, you may need to arrange the work. If it is on common property, report it to the body corporate before arranging removal yourself. The body corporate administers and manages common property for all owners.
What should you do before removing a mud wasp nest?
Take a photograph from a safe distance and note the location. Avoid touching the nest or applying water, chemicals or other products unless a qualified professional has advised you to do so.
Then:
- check whether the location is part of your lot or common property
- tell the body corporate, committee or building manager if the nest is in a shared area
- explain whether it is near an entrance, pathway or other regularly used location
- keep children, visitors and pets away from the area where practical
- ask whether the body corporate already uses an approved contractor.
A body corporate can make decisions about common property through the committee and general meetings.
When should you contact a pest professional?
Contact a qualified pest professional if the nest is difficult to reach, near a shared access point, inside a ceiling or wall, or if you are unsure whether it is safe to approach. This is particularly relevant if anyone in the household is concerned about stings or has a known allergy.
Do not assume that removing a visible nest will resolve the issue. A professional can assess the location and explain the safest available option.
If you manage a scheme, our guide to pest control in community titles schemes may also help with planning and contractor discussions.
What can you do if mud wasps keep returning?
Keep a record of where nests appear and when they are noticed. Repeated activity on common property should be reported to the body corporate so it can consider the issue and arrange appropriate advice.
Residents and occupiers must not use a lot or common property in a way that causes a nuisance or hazard, or unreasonably interferes with others’ use and enjoyment.
Start by identifying the location, notifying the right person and using a qualified pest professional where needed. If you are unsure who should arrange work, contact StrataCare at reception@stratacare.com.au.
