Wasp nest treatment
A steady stream of wasps flying in and out of the same spot usually means a nest. Nests grow fast through the summer, so it pays to treat them early.
Signs to look for
- Wasps repeatedly flying in and out of a gap in the eaves, a roof tile, an air brick or a hole in the ground
- A papery grey nest in a loft, shed, garage or hedge
- Large numbers of wasps around the house or garden in late summer
Why it matters
Queen wasps start new nests in spring. By summer a nest can produce up to 300 eggs a day and house thousands of adults. In the UK you are most likely to find the common wasp and the German wasp. Both sting repeatedly, and stings can cause serious allergic reactions.
The longer wasp nests are left, the bigger the job. If you have seen the signs, it is worth acting now.
What Steve does
- Find the nest entrance, even when the nest itself is hidden
- Treat the nest with a professional insecticide, which the wasps carry inside
- Advise you to keep away from the entrance while activity dies down, usually within a day
- Remove the nest if it is accessible and you would like it gone
Keeping them out
- Check lofts, sheds and eaves in spring, when nests are small
- Seal gaps in eaves, soffits and air bricks
- Keep bins closed and clear away fallen fruit
Wasps: your questions
Do you deal with bees as well?
Honeybees are not treated as pests. If you have a honeybee swarm, Steve will advise you to contact a local beekeeper who can rehome them. Wasps and some bee species in awkward places can be discussed case by case.
Do I need to be at home for a wasp treatment?
Not always. If the nest is outside and accessible, Steve can often treat it while you are out. Just let him know where to find it.
Should I try to remove a wasp nest myself?
It is not worth the risk. Disturbing a nest makes the wasps defend it, and you can be stung many times. A professional treatment is quick and safe.
Other pests Steve deals with
Covering Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex and Greater London, for homes and businesses.
Think you have wasp nests?
Call, WhatsApp a photo, or send a message. You deal with the person who will actually do the job.