Wasp Nest removal

Unlike bees wasps are able to sting multiple times and can be very aggressive. They are extremely persistent and we would not recommend you trying to remove a live nest yourself. Apart from the risk of stings nests can often be quite inaccessible posing the additional danger of trying to remove them at height. Once we have removed the nest we can plug the access point to prevent a return of the wasps the following years.

How do I know if I have a wasps’ nest?

In the first instance you will probably start noticing that you have lots of wasps outside and that they are present in sufficiently large numbers to be a nuisance.  This usually means that there is a wasps nest not too far away.

Common nest sites include
• Lofts
• Sheds
• Garages
• Beneath roof tiles
• Under the eaves

Wasps are usually able to access loft spaces through worn fascia or soffit boards, or where holes have been drilled to provide access for electrical cables.  These all form suitable entry points for wasps to access and to start to build a nest.

By standing outside and observing the wasps it usually isn’t too difficult to see their access point and where they are entering the loft space, shed or garage.

Nests are built in the spring and may still be active as late as October or November.  When the there is a long winter and late spring, it provides wasps with a longer hibernation leading to increased numbers in the late summer. The warmer season provides ideal weather conditions for wasps to thrive when food supplies are abundant. Ironically a cold winter means that the queens have a deeper hibernation and more survive.

Wasps are broadly classified into two groups: social wasps and solitary wasps. While most solitary wasps build their nests below ground, most social wasps build nests above ground. Above ground nests are built in a sheltered, hidden location such as dense bushes or trees; wall voids; attics; or under the eaves of a structure. Underground nests are built under rocks; fallen logs; concrete or asphalt slabs such as patios; driveways; or sidewalks. With the exception of yellow jacket nests, below ground nests are loosely constructed and non-descript. Above ground nests are made from paper-like material or mud.

Below ground nests usually are first observed when a wasp or wasps are seen coming and going through a hole in the ground. Above ground nests are first observed when wasps are seen flying in and out of a tree or shrub, or a small gap, crack, crevice or sheltered portion of a building. Hornet nests are built above ground in dense trees or bushes where they construct a ball-shaped nest from gray-colored paper. Paper wasp nests are commonly found under building overhangs and decks; behind shutters and inside gas grills; children’s play sets; mailboxes; and and light fixtures. Their nests aren’t very large and can be built in about any crack, gap or sheltered place. Mud Daubers build their mud nests in protected places like storage buildings, attics and under eaves and porch ceilings. Yellow jackets build nests that are paper-like, whether they are above or underground.

Dangers Associated with Removing Nests

Wasps prey on many insects that are pests for garden and landscape plants, so they can be very beneficial insects. Therefore, nests should only be eliminated if wasps are in an area where they pose a threat to people or pets. The obvious hazards caused by wasps are stings and the potential for anaphylactic shock. In addition, using a ladder for nest removal could result in a fall. If using do-it-yourself tactics, always attempt nest removal after dark and be sure to have a pre-planned escape route if you need to retreat from angry wasps. For wasp management, the best thing to do is contact your pest management professional for their advice, recommendations and control techniques.