Wasps

Pests which are not considered a public health risk, for example wasps and fleas, are dealt with for a charge.

We can arrange for wasp nests to be treated. For more information about the service and charges please contact the Pest Control Department.

Appearance

There are several species of social wasp found in this country, but all are similar in appearance. They are all bright yellow and black, about 10 - 20 mm in length, except for the hornet which is somewhat larger and brown and yellow in colour. They have a very slim waist and are a lot less hairy than bees.

Life Cycle

The only wasps which can survive the winter are the young fertilised queens. A queen will emerge from her winter hibernation around mid-April, and find a suitable site for her new nest. In nature, this will be on a branch or inside a hollow tree, or underground. Unfortunately, a loft space, wall cavity or shed will do just as well! The queen then builds the first cell to the new nest herself using chewed wood pulp, and lays between 10 and 20 eggs. She then feeds the resulting larvae until they emerge as workers, and take over the tasks of enlarging the nest and providing food for the subsequent larvae, which mainly consists of other insects. The adults satisfy their craving for sweet foods by drinking a sugary secretion produced by the larvae.

The nest will usually grow to the size of a football and will be home to about 5000 individuals, but in some cases can be quite a bit larger. In the late summer, a generation of males and young queens emerge. They mate, and the queens seek a place to hibernate. The other wasps will gradually die off as the weather cools, and the cycle starts again the next spring.

How can wasps nests be controlled?

Individual wasps which enter a house or other property can be dealt with by using an ordinary flying insect spray. It is also advisable to avoid leaving sweet sticky foods around which could attract wasps to them.

If a nest is in a place where it gives cause for concern there are a number of proprietary products available to kill the nest. Whichever product you use, you are advised to read the label and follow the instructions carefully, taking all necessary precautions. 

You should also consider the risk of being stung. Whilst for most people this is a painful annoyance, there is a significant minority who are allergic to the stings, and can suffer very extreme reactions. Also, if the nest is in a place where a ladder is necessary to gain access to it, you should take extra care.

It is probably better to phone the professionals, either Lewes District Council or a private contractor.