Disrupting the Cycle: Effective Late Season Wasp Control

Wasps are one of the UK’s most disliked insect, especially amongst men. In a recent YouGov survey, 21% of British men voted for wasps being the worst insect to tolerate. Little wonder then that discovering a wasp nest on or near your property can cause stress and anxiety.

In the UK you are likely to encounter the Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German Wasp (Vespula germanica). These two species are similar in appearance, with yellow and black stripes on their bodies.

They frequently inhabit areas near human dwellings and can exhibit aggressive behaviour when provoked.

The behaviour of wasps can vary depending on the stage of their cycle, which in turn affects how they should be managed. For instance, treating a wasp nest later in the season can differ from early season nest control.

Here are some of the key differences between the two:

1. Nest Size and Activity: Early in the wasp season, usually in the spring or early summer, the nest size is relatively small as the colony has just been established. The nest may contain only a few dozen wasps.
   In contrast, late in the season, typically in late summer or early autumn, the nest size has reached its peak, and it can contain hundreds or even thousands of wasps.
   Late-season nests are more active, with increased foraging and defensive behaviour.
2. Accessibility: Early in the season, the nest is often smaller and more accessible making it easier to physically remove or treat the nest.
   In contrast, late-season nests tend to be larger; accessing and treating these nests will likely require specialised equipment and techniques.
3. Wasp Behaviour: Wasp behaviour can vary between early and late season. In the early season, wasps are generally less aggressive and less likely to sting, as they are focused on nest building and rearing the colony.
   However, as the season progresses, particularly in late summer/early autumn, wasps become more defensive and aggressive in protecting their nest.
   Late-season nest treatment requires extra caution and appropriate protective measures to minimise the risk of stings.
4. Queen Presence: In general, the life cycle of a wasp colony starts in the spring when a queen emerges from hibernation. The queen builds a small nest and lays eggs, which develop into worker wasps.
   These workers assist in expanding the nest and foraging for food. Throughout the summer, the nest grows in size, and the number of workers increases; removing the queen before this stage is crucial to halt the growth of the colony.
   Towards the end of the summer, the queen starts producing new queens and males, therefore late in the season, the focus of treatment shifts to preventing the production of mature queen wasps.
   Mature queens are typically produced in late summer or early autumn in the UK; the exact timing can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions.
   These wasps are destined to leave the nest and establish new colonies in the following year. Late-season treatment thus aims to disrupt this phase of the wasp life cycle.

Dealing with wasp nests, can be hazardous at any time, but possibly none more than late in the season. Increased nest size, activity, and aggression as the season progresses can result in the increased risk of painful stings.

Avon Pest Control therefore advise keeping a distance between you and the nest and contacting a professional pest control company.

Worried about wasps?

Call Avon Pest Control today to speak to a member of our team.
We have the knowledge, experience, and protective equipment to safely and effectively handle your wasp nest situation for you.