OPENING TIMES: Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm. Saturday 9am – 5pm. Sunday CLOSED
*Christmas Opening TimesĀ – We are closed on 22nd December and open again on the 2nd January.

What to Expect as Summer Approaches: A Guide to Dealing with Wasps

What to Expect as Summer Approaches: A Guide to Dealing with Wasps

With the onset of summer, it's common to spot wasps in and around our homes and gardens. During the winter months, wasps hibernate, with only the queen surviving. As she awakens, she selects a location to establish her nest and raise her family. These nests can be found in various places, including underground, in bushes, sheds, outbuildings, and even inside your property, such as cavity walls and lofts. Stay prepared and take necessary measures to deal with wasp infestations effectively.
Wasps
As the weeks progress and the weather becomes hotter, you’ll likely witness an increase in activity and a steady flow of wasps in a specific area. This could indicate the presence of a nearby wasp nest. Stay alert and take necessary precautions.

Be sure to be careful

When dealing with aggressive wasps, it is important to prioritize safety. We highly recommend maintaining a safe distance and contacting a professional pest control company, such as ourselves, for safe and controlled nest treatment. Trust our expertise to handle the situation effectively and ensure your peace of mind.

Tackling a wasp nest yourself can be extremely dangerous and may result in injury. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times without dying. Their venom contains histamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, which can cause pain, swelling, and itching. Some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, facial and throat swelling, and anaphylaxis. Prevent wasp stings by avoiding bright-coloured clothing, sweet foods and drinks, and keeping food covered when dining outdoors. Stay safe and protect yourself from these risks.

Wasp nests under construction

During the summer, the wasp nest starts as small as an egg but quickly grows in size over the weeks. Eventually, it reaches the typical size of a football. A typical nest can house around 20-25,000 wasps, making it crucial to remember that you’ll be heavily outnumbered when dealing with any nest. Stay safe and take the necessary precautions!

Wasp nests are made of wood stripped by the wasp and transformed into a strong, paper-like substance using saliva. The construction process is fascinating. The wasp begins by building the foundation of the nest and then creates hexagonal cells using a mixture of saliva and wood fibres. These cells are arranged in a pattern, with each row slightly offset from the previous one. Discover the intriguing construction methods of wasps and the remarkable strength of their nests.

Once the cells are built, the female wasp will lay an egg in each one. These eggs will hatch into larvae that feed on insects or other prey brought back to the nest. As the colony grows, the female wasp adds more layers to the nest, with each layer having additional cells. A protective layer is secreted over the outside of the nest to safeguard the colony from predators and the elements. The construction of a wasp nest can take weeks or even months, depending on colony size and resource availability.

Protecting the nest

Wasp nests are guarded by sentinels at the entry point and occasionally outside the nest. These vigilant defenders have the sole responsibility of protecting the nest from predators. Remarkably, the guards can recognize each member of their colony. When you observe wasps hovering around the nest’s exterior, it signifies that they are waiting for permission from the guards to enter. Explore the fascinating world of wasps and their nest defence mechanisms!

The guards not only ensure the wasp’s membership and belonging to the nest but also conduct health checks before granting access. The process is remarkably intelligent. If deemed a threat, guard wasps will attack and leave a pheromone, signalling other nest members to join the attack. Discover the fascinating dynamics of wasp nest protection! If you suspect a wasp nest in your loft or shed, avoid approaching it with a shining light. This can lead to an attack. Remember, in a loft, there is usually only one exit. Stay safe and take the necessary precautions to handle wasp nests.

If you require wasp nest treatments or removals, whether it’s for domestic or commercial property, reach out to our experienced team today. We offer comprehensive assistance and are always ready to help whenever you need us. Contact us for more information and reliable service.

Wasps on Icecream