Removing a hornet or wasp nest from a property is a potentially dangerous operation. It should not be attempted by anyone who is ill-equipped, lacks specialist knowledge, or does not wear the correct protective clothing. It is considered that the earlier a wasp colony is dealt with, the less likely it is that the wasps will become aggressive.

How do wasp nests develop

 When the temperature starts to rise, wasps will generally begin to build their nests during the spring. Initially, the nest may only be the size of a snooker ball. However, once established, the nest can grow to the size of a football and contain up to 5,000 wasps. The majority of the nest will be ‘worker’ wasps providing support for a single queen. The lifespan of the workers is under three weeks, while the queen may live for around one year.

Locations where wasps will commonly create their nests include roof spaces, lofts, air vents, wall cavities, and under the eaves. Several wasps may be seen flying in the area, or unusual sounds may be heard emanating from the ceiling or wall cavities. In addition, nests may be found in hollow trees, bird nesting boxes, bushes, and a garage or garden shed for the property’s exterior.

UK hornets and wasps

 The wasps found in the UK are of two types, the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German Wasp(Vespula Germanica). It should be noted that hornets are not widely found in the UK and will be primarily located in the south of England. To tell the difference between a wasp and a hornet, it is helpful to know that a hornet will be brown and yellow, and a wasp will be black and yellow.

Professional eradication of hornets and wasps

 To get rid of wasp nests, it is advisable to call upon the expertise of a hornet and wasp control expert. The wasp nest removal cost will be advised before the work is undertaken. Hiring a wasp exterminator will ensure that the nest is removed professionally and safely. The operative will have access to insecticides that are not available to the public and have the correct protective equipment, tools, and experience. The insecticide will be placed around the nest, and the wasps will carry it into the nest as they enter. This will lead to the destruction of the colony. It should be made clear that wasps and hornets can inflict a painful sting which, in extreme cases, can lead to hospitalisation due to an allergic reaction to the venom.

The professional wasp exterminator will provide hornet and wasp control and get rid of wasp nests on the property. Bamfurlong wasp nest removal allows a wasp exterminator to get rid of wasp nests and remove the potential danger, mainly where young children may be nearby. Therefore, wasp nest removal costs should be regarded as an investment to keep the local population safe from potentially painful stings.

Further precautions

 To prevent wasps from an exterior nest from entering a property, it is wise to take a few precautions during the early spring. Moving the waste bins away from the occupied areas of the property and securing their lids will ensure that wasps are not attracted to the site to feast on a readily available food supply. Furthermore, installing fly screens on windows that need to remain open during the warmer months of the year will prevent wasps and other flying insects from entering the property and posing a potential danger to the occupants. 

Dealing with wasp nests should only be attempted by properly equipped and trained operatives. Unqualified members of the public risk provoking the wasps and causing them to become very aggressive. Once alarmed, a wasp will produce a pheromone which will bring other wasps from the nest to assist. Thus, multiple wasp stings can be severe, even without any solid allergic reaction to the venom.