Wasp Pest Control – The Rise of the Queen Wasps

This past year has been one of the most difficult years the world has experienced in our lifetimes. As the days begin to lighten and lengthen towards the end of March, the arrival of springtime brings with it a much welcome feeling of hope, and of safer times ahead.  However, with the emergence of spring comes the emergence of queen wasps.

Wasp Nesting Behaviour

Here at Avon Pest Control, we often receive calls around this time of year regarding concern over an assumed wasp nest. However, rather than an existing nest, this is often queen wasps emerging from hibernation in search of an appropriate location to build her nest. Unfortunately, she may choose a cavity in your building as her nesting space!

What to Look Out for

Queen wasps look similar in appearance to standard worker wasps, with yellow and black bodies, and a defined “waist” where their body joins, however they are slightly larger. Queens measure around 2- 2.5 cm, whereas workers measure around 1.2- 1.7 cm.  If you are unsure of the difference between wasps and bees, please see our article on wasp identification here.

Wasp nests are made from chewed up wood, which is mixed with saliva creating a papier-mâché type material and are pale grey colour.  Nests begin to establish in springtime/early summertime, so now is the time to be vigilant. The queen will likely opt for a sheltered space, such as under eaves, in your loft, shed or garage, in wall cavities, in bushes or under trees.  At this time, the queen will be establishing her nest so it will still be relatively small; about the size of a golf ball. The good news is this smaller nest will likely only contain the queen and possibly a few workers.

Act Fast!

If the wasp nest is left to grow, it can reach the size of a beachball and contain thousands of wasps; acting quickly will avoid your pest problem escalating. Avon Pest Control do not recommend DIY methods of wasp nest removal. Disturbing a nest can result in agitated wasps, who attempt to dispense multiple painful stings when they feel threatened.  In some cases, wasp stings can cause an allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening.  It is therefore advisable to contact a trusted professional pest control service provider to treat, and where possible remove, the nest.

Safety First

Early predictions of life returning to normal by springtime this year were unfortunately overly optimistic. We must now prepare ourselves for the continuation of working from home, the possibility of home schooling when bubbles burst, and hopefully, depending on government guidance, being able to entertain our friends and families in our garden spaces.  It is therefore even more crucial that our home and garden is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Worried about Wasps?

Call Avon Pest Control today on 01926 632 929 or 01789 293 463, or click here to obtain more information on wasp pest control services.

Our qualified, reliable, professional team are operating with strict PPE controls, and are fully equipped to quickly and safely sort your wasp problem for you.