Wasps

We treat a nest for £40 - call 01246 345345 to book an appointment (price valid for 2009). For those on an income-related benefit the price is £20.

Wasps with their characteristic yellow and black markings are familiar insects to everyone, being very common during summer and autumn, until the first cold weather brings their activities to an end.

The types of wasp encountered in this country normally nest in the ground but quite often will make their nests in trees, shrubs and in buildings. The access to the nest is usually in a position where it is unlikely to be subject to interference. On a building, therefore, it is often found at eaves level.

The nest is formed in the spring by a queen who has hibernated over the winter months and who eventually gives rise to numerous workers and a few new queens throughout the summer until the colony dies in the late autumn. It is very uncommon for the same nest to be used on more than one occasion.

Finding a wasps nest usually causes a feeling of panic and signals a call for immediate action. It may be possible to deal with the nest yourself using a crawling insect / ant powder which can be bought fairly cheaply from garden centres, D I Y stores etc.

ALWAYS READ THE MAKERS INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE ON THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THEM EXACTLY.

If the nest or its entrance is readily accessible, the use of the powder dusted liberally around the entrance should mean that the returning workers will carry the insecticide into the nest. PLEASE REMEMBER that powders do not have an immediate knockdown effect and it may take more than one treatment to achieve control.

Any treatment should be carried out in the evening and you should wear clothes which fit closely around the neck, wrists and ankles. Approach the nest slowly and carefully and leave slowly after treatment.

Wasps will generally only sting in self -defence or in defence of the nest.

If the nest is out of harms way, such as at the bottom of the garden or high up in a tree or the eaves of the house then it may be best to leave it alone as the wasps will die out in the autumn.