A typical Londoners guide to managing wasps and staying calm

Finding a wasp nest near your home fills you with a distinct kind of horror.
One moment you’re enjoying a bit of sunshine, the next you’re ducking and diving like you’re in some sort of spy film hoping you don’t get stung.

Whether it’s buzzing from the roof of your shed, underneath the eaves or hidden deep in a garden hedge, finding a wasp nest can freeze even the most heroic of homeowners into a mild panic.

At Pestpatrol, we get dozens of calls every week from Londoners who have been alerted to the presence of a nest and don’t know what to do next.

The urge to get a broom, spray or other tool and “sort this yourself” is strong but don’t act in haste. Wasps are keenly territorial. If they feel their nest is threatened they could attack in numbers – and this isn’t a DIY job.

So we’ve put together this handy guide to help you spot a wasp nest, understand the risk from it and what to do, and when and why you should call in the experts.

First things first, Are You Sure It Is a Wasp Nest?

Let’s not get carried away.
Not every buzzing sound brings danger.

Before we sound the alarm, let’s just stop and have a look.
Wasps tend to build their nests in more sheltered places – lofts, sheds, under guttering, even in wall cavities.

The nest itself is made of a papery substance, usually grey or similar in color, and shaped like a football (or an awkwardly shaped football).
It is made from wood particles shredded into pulp then mixed with the wasp’s saliva.
You will notice wasps flying in and out, especially on warmer days.

If you’re unsure whether it’s a wasp, hornet, or even bees, don’t risk it!
Pestpatrol can identify what you’ve found and provide you with the safest next steps.
You can check out our wasp control page for more guidance.

Why you should leave the management of a wasp nest to professionals

We understand – no one wants to pay for something they think they can do themselves.
But believe us – wasps do not play games!
They are not ants, moths, or other insects that run away when disturbed.
If a nest gets impacted, one way or another, the entire colony can activate as a defensive strategy.

When wasps are disturbed, they release a pheromone.
This pheromone calls others to attack.
That’s right – you’re not dealing with just one sting – but potential hundreds.
If you’re allergic, or even off-guard, you could find yourself in a hospital.

Pest controllers, like Pestpatrol, have proper protective suits, trained treatments, and experience.
Pest patrol have removed nests from roofs in London, schools, pub gardens, and even the odd wardrobe. You can trust Pestpatrol to manage it.

How dangerous are wasp nests?

Wasp nests can seem harmless at first.
However, over the course of summer they can become more populous, aggressive, and erratic.

At peak volume in late summer, a single nest can have 5000+ wasps inside.
By this time, workers are not just responsible with feeding larvae, they are free to forage, scavenge, and sting.

This is the time when they have no inhibitions, going inside, needing sugary drinks, and hanging around rubbish bins.

If you have children, pets, or vulnerable family members (i.e., elderly parents or anyone with allergies), there is no point in taking the risk.
You only need to be stung just the once to have a severe reaction.

What You Can Do While You Wait for Help

Now you have identified a nest and booked Pestpatrol, good job.

In the meantime, here are a few things that you can do to keep you safe:

• Keep your distance – Wasps tend to ignore you if you ignore them. So keep a few metres back.
• Close windows close to the nest – You do not want any adventurers coming inside.
• Avoid vibrations – Any nearby vibrating noises such as mowers, banging doors, hammering etc, will disturb the nest.
• Do not swat – Alarm pheromones are released when a wasp is swatted and this can bring in other wasps that may attack.
• If the nest is inside (e.g., loft, wall cavity, or garage), keep doors shut and blockade holes/gaps with a towel until we arrive to help.

Wasp Nest Removal: What You Can Expect from Pestpatrol

When you call Pestpatrol, we can discuss options with you and select a time that is convenient for us to visit.

Our wasp service includes:

• A thorough inspection of the nest and its immediate surroundings
• A fast targeted treatment using a effective insecticidal dust or spray
• Advice on what you can do to prevent future nests
• The safe removal of the nest if possible!

Most nests can be treated in one visit, and you could see activity die down within hours (not always!).
If a second visit is required, we’ll advise you on the inspection.

You can read more about the removal process or directly book a callout from our wasp pest control page.

What Is The Nest in A Neighbour’s Garden?

Awkward but not uncommon!

If the nest is technically on someone else’s property, for example, a joint fence, tree, or under their roof, we would suggest just asking them in a polite way.
They might not even realise there is a nest there!

If they are unwilling to act on it and, more importantly, the wasps are coming into your property, you may have grounds to complain about a nuisance.

However, most people, once made aware of the risks, are more than willing to arrange for removal.
If required, we can communicate with your neighbour and provide a professional quote.

How Do You Stop Them Coming Back Next Year?

Once the nest is gone, you will probably want to keep it that way…

Wasps do not reuse old nests, but they can build a new nest close to an old nest if it was a suitable location for them to access.

Here are some ways to prevent wasps returning:

• Seal entry points – Fill gaps in eaves, vents, tiles, and brickwork..
• Keep bins closed tight – Wasps love sweet foods and rotting waste..
• Mesh / Grate – Put fine mesh over vents, airbricks, and open windows.
• Check – make sure that you check your shed, loft , and garages from Spring time onwards.

After removal our Pestpatrol team would be pleased to offer you more long-term prevention tips based upon your property.

When to Contact Pestpatrol

If you see a nest – or suspect you may have one, don’t wait until it is a full blown invasion!
Wasps build fast, what was a small problem may soon become a very serious one in a matter of weeks!

If you start noticing one of the following signs, please call Pestpatrol:

• A lot more wasps than normal going into one spot.
• A nest that is visible or a paper looking structure.
• Wasps going into gaps in a wall, roof, or shed.
• Getting stings but do not see a wasp inside.

Whether you are in central London or outer boroughs, our wasp technicians are available to assist you. We cover every postcode from Barking to Brent and back again.

Final Word: Stay Safe, However Stay Smart

Wasp nests are a classic case of, “don’t poke the bear”.
Although the impulse is there to act fast, and mostly when children are involved, it is so much safer and often cheaper in the end to get in a professional.

At Pestpatrol we have removed thousands of wasp nests in different parts of London.
Our trained technicians safely, effectively, and safely neutralise wasps with minimal disruption to your day.

You can book your inspection now or check out our wasps page for more information.

GET HELP WITH WASPS

Don’t wait until the stings pile up – contact Pestpatrol and let us deal with it.