Stay Home – Stay Safe – Handling Wasp Nests during Lock Down

Due to Covid-19, many of us are finding we are spending more time in our homes and gardens.  If you have recently seen a lot of wasp activity, it could be that there is a nest nearby.  Here at Avon Pest Control, we understand that even under usual circumstances, discovering a wasp nest can be worrying, but under these unprecedented conditions of extended lock down we need to be able to safely enjoy our home and living spaces more than ever.

How to Find a Wasp Nest

If you have seen a higher percentage of wasps in your garden then you are used to, you can follow the flight path of a worker wasp (female) back to the nest.

Recognising a Wasp Nest

Chewed wood pulp and saliva are used to build a wasp nest, which makes the nest look like paper.  They are usually built in sheltered places, such as roof spaces, sheds, under bushes, in bird boxes, under eaves, and wall cavities.

Nests start small, about the size of a golf ball.  This is usually around springtime when the queen wasp first begins to build the nest.  As the number of wasps increases, so does the size of the nest, so that in summertime the nest can reach the size of a football.  In some cases, considerably bigger!

What To Do if You Find a Wasp Nest

It is important to treat a wasp nest as soon as possible.  This will reduce the chances of being stung. Wasp stings can be very painful, and in some cases can cause an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).  It is ideal to treat the nest in spring as the nest is smaller, wasp numbers are lower and the wasps themselves are less aggressive.  Wasps are usually at their most aggressive during late summertime.  Regardless of when you find the nest, or what size it is, it is best to act fast and call a qualified, trusted pest control service provider.  It is important not to tackle the nest yourself as if a wasp feels threatened, it will emit a pheromone which alerts other nearby colony members.  The wasps react to this alarm by swarming out of the nest and attacking whatever or whoever the threat is. Unlike bees, wasps do not die after a single sting.  They can sting multiple times and will do so when threatened.

Be Prepared

• Open bins attract wasps. Ensure you have bins with lids, which are tightly secured, and keep your outside bins away from your house
• Check sheltered spaces in and around your home to spot signs of a wasp nest as early as possible

Here at Avon Pest Control our qualified technicians provide professional effective wasp nest treatment.  We are currently operating with strict PPE controls on essential work.  If you are worried about wasps, call Avon Pest Control today on 01926 632 929 or 01789 293 463, and we’ll happily discuss your pest problem and provide friendly, expert advice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasp

Avon Pest control – Helping You Stay Home and Stay Safe