Wasp and Hornet Nest Treatment

Protecting You and Your Family from Stings

Being stung by a common wasp or hornet is painful. For some people it can be dangerous.

• Stings cause sharp pain, redness and swelling.
• Around 1 in 30 people may suffer a serious allergic reaction.
• In severe cases, stings can lead to anaphylactic shock.

You can lower the risk by taking sensible care outdoors and by making sure any wasp or hornet nests on your property are treated correctly.

Identifying Wasps and Hornets

Many insects copy the black and yellow colours of wasps to put off predators. These harmless copies include hoverflies, some day flying moths and certain beetles.

The wasps most people see in the UK are:

• Common or social wasp.
• German wasp.

Key features of wasps and hornets

• Bright black and yellow stripes on the body.
• Two pairs of wings, with smaller hind wings.
• Less hairy than bees.
• Kidney shaped eyes.
• More pointed body with a narrow waist.
• Only females have a stinger and can sting many times.

Wasp and Hornet Nests

Wasps and hornets have a powerful sting. If their nest is disturbed, they can attack in large numbers, so great care is needed around nests.

Where nests are found

• Lofts and attics.
• Wall cavities and roof spaces.
• Under eaves and roof edges.
• Garden sheds, garages and outbuildings.
• Hedges, banks, trees and other sheltered outdoor spots.

How nests are built

• Made from chewed wood pulp mixed with saliva.
• Walls look like grey or brown paper.
• Queen starts a walnut sized nest in spring.
• As workers hatch, the nest grows quickly.
• By summer, a mature nest can hold 4,000 to 6,000 wasps and be 30 cm wide or more, although size depends on space.

The risk from wasps is highest late in summer, when workers become more aggressive. It is better to destroy a nest earlier in the season if it is in a risky location.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Nest

Finding the nest

• Watch where wasps or hornets fly to and from, especially in warm weather.
• Look for regular flight paths into roofs, vents or gaps in brickwork.
• If you think the nest is in the loft, take care when going into the roof space, as they may see you as a threat.

Safety tips

• Keep nearby windows and doors closed if the nest is near the house.
• Do not poke or disturb the nest.
• Do not treat a nest from a ladder or raised height.
• Do not attempt DIY treatment if:
  • You have any allergy to stings.
  • The nest is indoors or hard to reach.
  • There are large numbers of wasps or hornets.

A single wasp trapped indoors can be dealt with using an appropriate wasp and fly spray. If you see high numbers every day, there is likely to be a nest nearby that needs treatment.

Professional Wasp and Hornet Nest Treatment

Wasp and hornet swarms are dangerous. If you are unsure, it is safer to ask for professional help.

Forest Of Dean Pest Control offers a call out service to safely destroy wasp and hornet nests in your home, garden or business premises. The service is fast, effective and affordable.

Why choose a professional service

• Technicians have protective clothing and specialist application equipment.
• Use of powerful insecticides and eco friendly products that are not available in shops.
• Correct treatment of nests in lofts, wall cavities and other difficult locations.
• Reduced risk of stings and swarm attacks.
• Advice on preventing future nests in the same spot.

Contact Forest Of Dean Pest Control

If you see a wasp or hornet nest, or notice lots of wasps around your property, ask for help before the problem grows.

For advice or to arrange a visit from a Forest Of Dean Pest Control technician, call:

• Office: 01594 528359
• Mobile: 07842 822522

Advice costs nothing, and early treatment reduces the risk of stings for you, your family and your pets.