Wondering how to tell if you have a wasp nest? Seeing the odd wasp in your garden during summer is perfectly normal. The warning sign is when several wasps keep flying to exactly the same place. That’s usually a good indication there’s a nest nearby. Here are some of the signs we tell customers to look out for before the problem gets worse.
How to tell if you have a wasp nest by watching where wasps are flying
Many customers ask us how to tell if you have a wasp nest before deciding whether to call us out. One of the clearest signs of a wasp nest is seeing wasps flying the same route over and over again. They may disappear into an air brick, under roof tiles, into a wall cavity or behind timber cladding. If you watch for a minute or two you’ll often spot several wasps using exactly the same entrance.
Where do wasps usually build nests?
Wasps are surprisingly adaptable and will make use of almost any sheltered space around a property. In and around Bath, we most commonly find nests in lofts, roof spaces, garages and garden sheds, but they also build inside wall cavities, behind fascias and soffits, and even beneath decking. If a location is dry, protected from the weather and left undisturbed, it’s a potential nesting site.
What time of year are nests most active?
Queen wasps usually emerge in spring and begin building small nests during April and May. By July and August the colony has grown significantly, which is when most people first notice increased activity. Towards the end of summer, nests can contain several thousand wasps.
Seeing a few wasps doesn’t always mean there’s a nest
Wasps can travel quite a distance looking for food, especially later in the summer. If you only see the occasional wasp around flowers or bins, there’s probably nothing to worry about. It’s repeated activity in one place that usually tells the real story.
Can you deal with a nest yourself?
Small, exposed nests can sometimes be dealt with safely, but most nests aren’t easy to reach. Sprays bought from DIY shops often kill the wasps near the entrance without reaching the queen inside the nest. If the nest is in a loft, wall cavity or roof space, professional treatment is usually the safest and most effective option.
A recent wasp nest treatment in Lower Westwood
A recent job gives a good idea of what you can expect during a typical wasp nest treatment. The customer had noticed wasps repeatedly disappearing into a narrow gap between the outside wall and the soffit of their house.
After assessing the property, we confirmed a nest had been established inside the cavity. Wearing appropriate protective clothing, we applied a professional treatment directly to the nest entrance while the customer and their pets remained safely indoors with the doors and windows closed.
As expected, activity increased for a short time as returning wasps made their way back to the nest. Within around an hour, this had reduced to the occasional wasp, and by the following morning the customer reported that all activity had stopped.
Every property is different, but this is a typical example of how quickly professional treatment can resolve an active wasp nest.
Think you’ve found a wasp nest?
If you’ve noticed wasps repeatedly flying to the same spot around your home, it’s usually worth getting it checked before the nest grows larger. We cover Bath, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge and the surrounding villages, providing fast, professional wasp nest treatment and straightforward advice if you’re unsure what you’re dealing with. If you’re still unsure how to tell if you have a wasp nest, we’re happy to offer advice over the phone before arranging a visit.
Further information: The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) provides additional guidance on wasp nests, pest control standards and when it’s advisable to seek professional treatment.
Need help with a wasp nest?
If you think you’ve found a wasp nest, don’t leave it to grow. We provide professional wasp, bee and hornet services across Bath, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge and the surrounding villages. Find out more about our services or get in touch for straightforward advice.