Honeybees form swarms as part of the establishment of new hives and colonies.

Wasp nests can be found mainly in dark, protective areas. These include under the house, amongst ivy, underground and in the walls of weatherboard houses.

Some tips for discouraging wasps nesting in your house and yard:

• Cover swimming pools, bird baths and ponds
• Cover windows and doors with fly screens
• Remove all garden clippings, compost, pet food and damaged/rotten fruit from your garden.
• Water the garden at night time when wasps are least active.

Remember: Seek emergency medical help immediately if the victim has a history of serious reactions to stings or if a serious reaction seems to be developing. While less than three persons out of a thousand are allergic or hypersensitive to bee or wasp stings (or fire ants), those who are may develop a life threatening reaction such as dizziness, shock, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat.

These reactions, known as anaphylaxis, may appear immediately after the sting or up to an hour later and require immediate medical attention. Less severe reactions include swelling, hives, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and headache. Any sting in the mouth or on the neck requires caution, as swelling in those areas may cause suffocation.