Wasps – the traditional blight of any picnic or BBQ! Fascinating as these tiny creatures are, finding a wasp nest on your property can be alarming, especially if you are allergic to Wasp stings, have children or other vulnerable members of the household.
The tell-tale meandering of large numbers of wasps in the shrubs or trees around your home indicates a possible nest site. Wasps will also nest under the eaves of the roof or in holes in the walls or more inconveniently, in your cavity wall, the garage, summerhouse or garden shed. The nest is made of a mixture of saliva and chewed up wood, passed back out into a Papier-Mache type substance which will dry to a paper-like material. Early in the year, the nest may be very small – about the size of a plum but as the year goes on, the nest will grow in size as more layers are added and can very often become basketball sized, or much larger, with thousands of little stripy residents.
Do You Really Need To Remove The Wasp Nest?
Wasps receive a lot of bad press, but just like bees, wasps are ecologically important. They are pollinators and they can be an awesome aide to keen gardeners as they control crop pests such as caterpillars, grubs, spiders and weevils, helping to keep the population down. You can find out more about wasps in this interesting article from the Natural History Museum.
Consider the location of the wasp nest. If it has been constructed away from your property in an infrequently visited location, it might be as well to leave it alone. The nest will die out naturally in the Autumn and wasps never reuse an old nest.
What Not To Do
Your first thought might be to get rid of these uninvited guests as quickly as possible but it is never a good idea to attempt this yourself. A sting from a wasp is extremely painful but repeated stings from a multitude of angry wasps can become very nasty indeed.
Never burn a nest – the paper-like substance a wasp uses to build its nest is made from wood thus very flammable. Attempting to flood a nest is a no-no too. It simply doesn’t work and you are likely to just anger the residents of the nest with this unexpected cold bath. Hitting the nest with a spade or other such item in an attempt to destroy it is only going to end in one outcome – a swarm of aggressive wasps emerging and descending on you like lightning from Mount Sinai.
What To Do About A Wasp Nest
If the nest is in a position that isn’t safe for you or your family, then calling a professional pest control company like iX5 is the safest and most sensible option. The nest might not need to be removed, simply treated instead. Our pest control expert will be able to advise on the best plan of action and has the skills, knowledge and range of insecticides that are not available for purchase by the general public. They will also have the specialist tools required to access any nest that has been created in the most inaccessible of locations.
How Wasps Are Dealt With
An insecticide is generally applied close to the opening to the nest and the wasps take it in and share it around. After a day or two, the problem is resolved. The nest can stay in place if it’s not obstructing anything and can be safely removed in late Autumn. If you want the nest removed as soon as possible, your pest controller can do this but this extra visit which might come at an extra cost.
Natural Wasp Deterrents
Planting aromatic herbs is one of the most natural ways to help prevent unwanted wasp visitors. Herbs like mint, citronella, eucalyptus, thyme and spearmint will help to keep wasps away. Consider planting these around your summer outdoor seating areas and you will not only enjoy uninterrupted outdoor dining but will have a handy store of ingredients too!
Help Removing a Wasp Nest
If you need assistance dealing with a wasp nest, we offer wasp services for both domestic and businesses premises in Northampton, Daventry, Rugby, Market Harborough, Towcester, Brackley, Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby, Olney and all of the surrounding areas. Our team of specialists are available both evenings and weekends at no extra cost. Should you require assistance call us on 01604 328545 , email [email protected] or use our simple contact form.