Wasps
Wasps can sting and can pose a hazard if the nest is disturbed in any way. Wasp stings are not normally serious, but the elderly and those with allergies can suffer severe reactions. Unless the location of the nest is causing a problem treatment should be avoided.
Signs to look for around your home
Wasps can be confused with other winged insects. Wasps have yellow and jet black stripes on their bodies and two pairs of wings. Queen wasps sleep in safe locations like wood piles and roof spaces during the winter months. They emerge from April onwards and seek suitable places to build new nests. Wasps build new nests each year and never return to an old nest, so it is not necessary to remove old or treated nests. Lack of activity around the nest will indicate if it is no longer active.
Nests are grey and ball-shaped and can be quite large. Other signs of a nest include:
- Wasps entering and exiting buildings from one location
- Wet patches on walls or ceilings
- A dull, buzzing noise
How to prevent wasps
• Keep bagged refuse and lidded bins with potential food sources away from your house
• Inspect your loft throughout the summer months to check for nests
Treating and controlling wasps
Self treatment of nests that are above head height is not recommended. It may be possible to treat nests that are more easily accessible.
Before any self treatment we recommend that you
- Refer to the insecticide instructions before use
- Identify the entrance and exit point of the nest
- Conduct treatments at twilight when there will be less activity and most of the wasps will be in the nest
- Blow or spray the insecticide into the entry point of the nest
- Make sure other residents are aware of the treatment and that they avoid the nest area for 24 hours
- Wash away any spillages of insecticide when safe to do so
Wasp stings can be dangerous and can cause severe reactions so ensure that you wear protective clothing during self treatment.