Wasp Infestation Guide

As we move towards the hotter days of spring & summer you’ll start to find wasps will slowly make a return to our lives and with their increased presence comes the increased chance of a wasps infestation.

To help you understand the threat wasps can have on your health and your home, as well as the signs you may currently be experiencing, we’ve created this guide to help you identify the typical signs and how to combat them.

Let’s get started: 

Firstly, How to tell if I have a wasp infestation?

Wasps have a few distinct signs that signal you are either heading for or currently facing an infestation. These include:

• Sightings of wasps: If wasp sightings become more & more frequent in and around your home, there is likely a nest nearby.
• Presence of a wasp nest: Look for a papery or waxy nest, which can be found in trees, under eaves, or in other sheltered areas. The nest may be small at first but can grow quickly as the colony expands.
• Increased wasp activity: If you notice increased wasp activity around your home, such as more buzzing or flying around, it could be a sign of a nearby nest.
• Damage to structures: When a Queen Wasp indicates that a nest should be built a selection of workers will begin to chew any wood they can find.
• Presence of dead wasps: Wasps have a 12 – 22 day lifespan so it becomes a common occurrence to find an increase in dead wasps.

Thankfully determining if you have a wasp problem can be quite easy by just going off the simple fact of an increased wasp presence near you. If you suspect you have a wasp infestation it is important not to panic or lash out as this can make the problem worse. It’s best to call an expert if you know you have a wasp problem.

Do wasps pose a threat to humans?

Wasps can pose a range of threats to us from stings to agricultural & building damage which is why it is important to remove them at the earliest opportunity. Damage can come from:

• Painful stings: Wasps do not die after attacking a human and unlike bees, they can essentially sting you repeatedly. Multiple stings from even one wasp can be very painful. Some people can also have an allergic reaction to stings, which can be life-threatening.
• Aggressive behaviour: Wasps have a very high chance of becoming aggressive if they feel threatened & if their nest or Queen comes under attack. This can lead to multiple stings from multiple wasps and can again become extremely dangerous.
• Property damage: There is a range of different species that can cause damage to buildings and other structures by burrowing into wood or other materials.

What wasps are common in the UK?

The UK is home to a range of wasps that you’re more than likely to find in a nest: 

• Common wasp: This is the most common type of wasp in the UK, and is very well known for its black and yellow stripes.
• German wasp: This species is similar in appearance to the common wasp, but has slightly different markings.
• European hornet: This is a larger species of wasp, with a brown and yellow striped body. It is less common in the UK than the common and German wasps.
• Tree wasp: This species is black and yellow, like the common wasp, but has longer legs and a narrower waist.
• Median wasp: This species is similar in appearance to the tree wasp, but has different markings and is less common.

Regardless of what is common to the UK please note that all species of wasps can sting you, so if you’re allergic to the wasp’s venom then please be cautious around them and actively take steps to prevent an attack or infestation. 

How can I stop a wasp infestation? 

• Seal entry points: Wasps can enter your home through small cracks or openings, so it is important to seal any potential entry points. This includes gaps around windows and doors, cracks in walls, and holes in screens.
• Remove food sources: Wasps are attracted to sweet foods and drinks, so it is important to keep food and garbage tightly sealed and to clean up spills promptly.
• Keep outdoor areas clean: Wasps are also attracted to outdoor garbage cans, compost piles, and pet food dishes. Make sure to keep these areas clean and tidy to avoid attracting wasps.
• Wasp nest removal: If you find a wasp nest on your property, it is important to have it removed by a professional. We strongly advise against removing the nest yourself, as this can become very dangerous, especially if the nest is large and houses a lot of wasps.

Taking our guide into account you need to make sure you’re actively on the lookout for potential wasp nests or infestations that may be a threat to you, your friends or your family. 

If you are based in Leicester, Loughborough, Market Harborough or the surrounding areas and are concerned that your home or business has a wasp nest and/or infestation then make sure you contact the specialist team at Target Pest Control for wasp nest removal.