Wasps are a major pest and can be dangerous, especially if allergic to their stings. The most common wasp species in the UK is the German wasp (Vespula germanica) and found throughout the summer months, peaking in September, when the number of wasps is highest due to colony growth and production of new queens.
Wasp nest treatment and wasp nest removal can be a daunting task as they prefer to nest in high places such as chimneys, cavity walls, eaves, attics, lofts, or under the roof. If you suspect that you may have a wasp nest or want to find out if you do, then a professional can advise on the best course of action. Even if you think you have bees, pest control experts can help with those.
If you’re dealing with a wasp problem, it’s important to know that there are two different types:
- Solitary wasps include mud-dauber wasps, potter wasps, and cicada killer wasps. Solitary wasps live alone and only come together to mate. They don’t have a nest or colony like social wasps.
- Social wasps, including yellow jackets, paper wasps, and hornets. These wasps do form nests and colonies.
Why do I have a wasp problem?
The most common reason for a wasp problem is an available food source nearby. This could be another insect infestation, but it is more likely that the wasps have access to food sources in or around your home. In particular, sweet foods like fruit juice left lying around can attract them into the house. Once they have a food source, they can be quite persistent and often return foraging for more food.
Most of the wasp pests we deal with are social wasps that build communal nests. They live in colonies or nests, with a queen and workers, which are all female. Only queens survive the winter to start new nests in spring.
Wasp stings can be painful, in some cases causing a severe allergic reaction. Although wasps do not often sting, they will attack if they feel threatened. Wasps can also be a nuisance when nesting around homes and businesses. Some wasp species can destroy wooden structures when they are building wasps nests.
Wasp nests are made from chewed wood pulp, which the wasps mix with saliva to make a paper-like material. The queen wasp lays her eggs inside the nests, and the larvae hatch out into baby wasps which feed on insects brought back by the adult wasps.
How do I get rid of wasps?
The best way to get rid of wasps is to contact a professional pest control expert They will identify what species of wasp you have and the best treatment options for your problem. This may include placing wasp traps or bait stations, but if the nest is accessible, they may even remove it entirely.
If you are considering DIY wasp control, there are a few things you can do:
- Place a sweet mixture such as jam or syrup into recycled plastic bottles with a hole cut in the side. The wasps will crawl into the bottle but then will not escape.
- Use smoke bombs to block the entrance to the nest at night time and kill all of the wasps inside.
- Buy an insecticide that will kill wasps that comes into contact with it, i.e., wasp killer powder. Spray it on the nest and wait until they have been killed by it or fled from their home.
The bottom line
It is essential to remember that wasp nest removal is not a harmless procedure, and there are certain inherent risks. Thus, it should never be attempted without due care and attention to the process. A wasp nest removal service might be just the thing you need to get rid of that pesky wasp plague.
Stop wasp nest problems today. Call Goodwin Environmental for a free onsite survey & quote.
