Wasp Removal in South London & Essex Wasps Overview There are several species of social wasp found in the UK and all are alike in appearance; bright yellow and black, 10-20 mm in length, a slim waist and are a lot less hairy than bees.
Health Risks Cooler weather combined with a diet of fermenting fruit juices make them irritable and very likely to sting. If you are to treat a nest yourself consider the risk of being stung. Whilst for most people this is a painful annoyance, some people are highly allergic to the stings, and can suffer very extreme reactions, even death. Damage to Property and Reputation Minimal. Common nesting sites can be found in loft space, wall cavity and garden sheds.
The nest will normally grow to the size of a football and house 5,000 wasps, sometimes more. The Queen builds the first cell to the new nest herself using chewed wood pulp.
How We Can Help You Help Yourself Quick Tips
Wasps are mainly known for their nuisance value, particularly late summer/autumn. If a nest is in a place where it gives cause for concern you can treat it. Whichever product you choose to kill the nest, you must read the label and follow the instructions carefully, taking all necessary precautions. It is advisable to treat a wasp’s nest later in the day when it is cooler and the wasps are less active and have returned to the nest. Even without treatment a nest can only last one season. Did You Know
It is only young fertilised Queens who can survive the winter months; she will come out from her winter hibernation around mid-April, and find a suitable site for her new nest.
European Hornet (Vespa Crabro) Overview Hornets are part of the wasp family, but are not as common. The adult worker is around 25mm long and is yellow and brown in colour. The Queen can measure up to 35mm in length.
Health Risks European Hornets have larger, longer stings than other species of native wasps. This means that they can inject more venom, causing increased pain. This venom is less toxic than other wasp species. Hornets will fight back and defend their nest by biting and stinging repeatedly. Damage to Property and Reputation Hornets nest mainly in hollow trees but they can also be found to nest in buildings. By the middle of summer the nest will have reached capacity with approximately 700 hornets within. Nests are constructed of papery material derived from rotten wood. You will easily hear activity as they
make a loud flight noise and can be heard from within a wall cavity in building.
How We Can Help You Help Yourself Quick Tips
If the hornet's nest is within close proximity to your house, keep your doors and windows closed. You must take extra care if the nest is in the loft, as hornets may see this as a threat to their nest and attack. An insecticide dust is used to kill the nest and will take up to 24 hours after treatment to work. Did You Know
To locate a hornet's nest, watch the flight path of the returning workers.
