Wasps build their nests inside our homes and businesses. Lofts, sheds, and brick air vents are all suitable shelters if left undisturbed. As a general rule of thumb wasps are active as pests in the UK from April to September, with their numbers peaking towards the end of August.
Wasps can be aggressive and can attack if threatened which can be dangerous for those with allergies, small children and pets. Controlling wasps can be dangerous as they will defend their young and nest; although to treat wasps the nest itself does not have to be removed.
The SCH Better Places team has the technical knowledge and use of specialised products and equipment not available to the general public. Our residential wasp treatments £66.
Spring
At the start of spring, in line with the arrival of warmer weather queen wasps emerge from their dormant winter state looking for a suitable location to build their new nests. The queens never use a nest from a previous year.
As soon as an appropriate site has been selected (usually in a loft space, air vent, garage, garden shed etc.) the queen will then look for material to build her nest. Wooden substances are then collected, chewed, mixed with saliva and wax to create the nest.
Wasp numbers remain relatively low.
Summer
Nest locations can now be easily located due to a continuous flow of wasps entering and exiting the nest. Wasp numbers usually peak towards the end of the summer / beginning of autumn.
Autumn
The onset of the colder weather reduces food supplies. With the workers numbers decreasing and new queens looking for a place to overwinter wasps’ nests are vacated towards the end of autumn.
Wasp numbers fall dramatically from the beginning to the end of autumn.
Winter
Is generally recognised as the safest time to remove and dispose of empty nests. Most nests have been abandoned only very large nests with a good food supply will be inhabited.
Lone queen wasps may be seen finding harbourage in the home, on the back of curtains etc. as they look for a place to survive the winter.
Bees
Wasps can be confused with bees. Although they are not protected and can be treated, bees are endangered. As such the SCH Better Places team will only destroy a bee’s nest if it poses a substantial health and safety risk. Furthermore, in the case of honey bees we will first look to contact a qualified bee keeper to see if they can come and collect the bees. More information can be found via the: British Beekeepers Association
Only then as a last resort (if removal is not possible and the positioning of a nest is dangerous) will we look to remove the nest.
Get in touch.
Controlling wasps can be dangerous as they will defend their young and nest; although to treat wasps the nest itself does not have to be removed. The SCH Better Places team has the technical knowledge and use of specialised products and equipment not available to the general public.
Residential customers in Solihull can call Solihull Council’s Connect service on 0121 704 8000 to book an appointment, commercial customers can fill out an online form or call 0121 779 8900.
