Wasps

How to tell if I have a wasp nest

Identifying a wasp nest can be straightforward

• Distance yourself from what you think is a wasp nest and watch for a short period to see if wasps are actually going in and out of a hole
• It could be that wasps have found a food source in the area, you will be able to establish a flight path to see where the wasps are going to and from.
• If you are finding wasps on a daily basis indoors there is more than likely a nest in the building ( Loft area, cavity wall)
• Wasps don’t always build nests in roofs so be careful whilst investigating check all areas for example Shed, Around compost bins Do not lift the lid playhouse or equipment, holes in trees, under patio slabs and wooden decking, bird boxes, and the list could go on!
• If you are still unsure then I would recommend contacting ourselves to come and investigate further.

Upon identifying an infestation, Contact Us and we will help with the next step in preparing a wasp eradication program.

The program will consist of :-.

• We would start to ask you close all windows, doors and keep children indoors to reduce the risk of you and your family getting stung.
• We will call at your property and firstly carry out a thorough inspection to see if you have more than one nest ( in some cases i have found up to 7 nests on one house)
• As safety is always first we will only tackle wasp nest wearing full protective equipment.
• We will Treat affected areas by using safe and effective Wasp control products.
• In most cases, the customer does not require to be home as we treat most nests from the outside entrance of the nest as this is where most activity is.
• As lofts are confined spaces and nests are very difficult to get to as they might be right into the eaves making it difficult to treat,  we only access this as a last resort as its more effective treating them from the outside.
• The nest does not need to be removed.
• we can return to remove the nest from your property for peace of mind, only after a minimum of 48 hours to allow complete treatment of the whole wasp colony (this extra visit will incur an additional charge). But removing the nest may not be possible if it’s within a cavity wall or similar enclosed location.
• All of the nests Avanti Pest Solutions treat are treated with an insecticide powder as it remains active up to 6 weeks as this will kill any wasps returning to the nest.

Wasps are incredible creatures and are often misunderstood, The two most common species of wasps found in the UK are the Common wasp and the German wasp.

Wasp Facts

• Wasps are not bees.
• Wasps do not build a nest made of honey, they construct a nest from wood and mud.
•  Wasps are more aggressive from August to October.
• Between August and October, wasps prefer to feed on food and garbage instead of insects.
• Wasps are light sensitive
• Wasps are inactive when the sun is down, returning to their nest at this time.
• Some species prey on caterpillars making them beneficial, especially to farmers.
• Only female wasps have a stinger where males do not.
• As the females can sting, they protect the nest.
• Not all female wasps are fertile.
• The first wasps to be born will be sterile females who will be workers.
• Most wasps die during the winter apart from new and fertile queen wasps who will hibernate to continue the wasp life cycle.
• Worker wasps may look as far as 400 meters away from their nest for food.
• A wasps nest can contain between 5,000 to 10,000 wasps.
• A wasps sting can be fatal to some who is allergic.
• When a wasp dies it releases a smell that warns other wasps of danger and that it may need help.
• A nest will contain a single queen wasp at any one time.
• Wasps feed on sweet plants, nectar, fruits, honey, other insects and caterpillars.
• The most common wasps for a person to come in contact with are yellow jacket wasps, bald faced hornets and paper wasps.

Preventative wasp products can be purchased  from Avanti Pest Solutions