Protect Your Berkshire Home from Wasps

If you see wasps hovering near your home or garden, chances are that there is a wasp nest nearby.

The queen wasp emerges from hibernation in early spring and starts looking for a suitable locations to build her nest. She continues to lay eggs throughout the summer until autumn, by which time the nest can contain 3,000 to 5,000 individuals.

A wasp nest can be identified by the continual wasp activity surrounding the entrance point of the wasp nest and these are normally located between the roof tiles, under the gutters, in the brickwork, under window frames, inside the loft or attic space, in the garage, in the shed, in compost heaps, trees, bushes and in the garden. For homeowners in Berkshire, a repeated flight path into a roof edge, soffit or shed may be evidence of a nearby nest.

Wasps can be potentially aggressive, if they feel threatened and launch an unprovoked attack. If you or someone in your household is sensitive or allergic to a wasp’s venom, we strongly recommend that you do not try to tackle the wasp nest yourself.

Before treating a wasps nest, it is important to conduct a thorough inspection and survey, to identify the species of wasp, hornet or bee we are dealing with and determining the entrance locations. A Risk Assessment must be carried out for the safety of the residents in the property.

Wasps, hornets and bees belong to an insect group called Hymenoptera. We pest controllers have to be very careful in identifying them, as the pest control  bees is completely different to that of wasps and contamination of a bees nest with pesticides may have severe consequences. If you suspect a bees nest, please contact the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA).

Preparation is key when it comes to treating a wasps nest. The operative must, first, wear protective clothing, heavy duty gloves and ankle covers, to protect against wasp stings. Exterminating a wasp nest involves carefully approaching the entrance of the nest and injecting it with a professional-use insecticide called Vulcan P5 DP. This insecticide is not toxic to mammals, biodegradable and licenced for both internal and external use.

Treating a wasp nest is a job best left to the professionals, contact our technicians, who have many years of experience in dealing with them. Before treating a nest in Berkshire, I assess access, species and risks to your household and nearby pets.

It is always better to take preventative measures rather than wait for wasps to invade your property. Typically, a queen will choose to return to the same location where a nest was built previously, as it is the most suitable spot. However, instead of reusing an old nest, she will construct a new one. If you have had issues with wasp nests in the past, it is a good idea to check your property early in key areas to detect nest construction in its early stages. At a Berkshire property, be alert for new activity in sheltered places during spring and avoid disturbing insects.

Attempting to swat or hit these bothersome insects can prove counterproductive. When provoked, a single social wasp emits a distress signal in the form of a pheromone, alerting its entire colony to the potential threat. The wasps will then gather en masse to defend their nest, which can easily be mistaken for a swarm, much like those produced by honeybees. Given this reaction, it is not advisable to attempt to remove a wasp nest by oneself, as the wasps can become quite aggressive when their home is under threat. If wasps around your Berkshire home are defending their nest, they may react aggressively to perceived threats.

Removing a wasp nest is a hazardous undertaking as the wasps residing inside may perceive it as a threat, leading them to become aggressive and sting in defense of their young and nest. However, to eliminate wasps, it is not always necessary to remove their nest. Instead, treating both the nest and its occupants is crucial. To minimize the likelihood of getting stung, it is best to enlist the services of a professional to carry out a wasp nest treatment. This highly effective method will eradicate the wasps, ensuring your safety and peace of mind. I can discuss wasp activity in Berkshire, examine the likely nest and recommend suitable professional treatment.

While do-it-yourself wasp products may work for small nests, larger nests of aggressive wasps can be a challenging and potentially dangerous task to treat. If the nest is located indoors or in a hard-to-reach location, or if you are susceptible to allergic reactions from wasp stings, it is not advisable to attempt treating the nest on your own. Do not disturb an active nest at your Berkshire property; professional assessment reduces unnecessary risk.

The best time for wasp nest removal is during the evening or early morning when wasps are less active and most of them are in the nest. For a nest in Berkshire, I can offer the next suitable appointment and explain precautions in the meantime.

Wasp nests can potentially cause minor structural damage, especially if built in or near wooden structures. If nesting is suspected in a Berkshire shed or roof, inspection can clarify whether any surface needs attention.

It’s recommended to keep a safe distance, avoid disturbing the nest, and contact a professional for assessment and removal. Keep a safe distance from the activity in Berkshire and contact Assured Pest Control for an assessment.