Why is a wasp nest more dangerous in some places than others?
Because the location decides how close people and pets come to the colony. A nest near a door, a play area or a path is more of a risk than one high on a distant shed.
Wasps and hornets defend their nests, and a disturbance can produce several stings in a short time. A nest near an entrance, a play area, a pool or a window that is opened often is more likely to cause a problem. The distance from the nest to people is the first thing the technician checks.
A nest in a wall void or an attic can be harder to deal with, because the entrance is small and the colony may be hidden. Those nests are removed with more care, and the technician explains the access that is needed.
Can a homeowner remove a nest without a technician?
Small, exposed nests can sometimes be removed by a homeowner at night with the right protection, but nests in voids, high nests and any large nest should be left to a technician.
A homeowner who insists on removing a nest should wait until the colony is quiet, wear full protective clothing and use a product designed for the purpose. Even then, a sting can be serious, so anyone with a known sting allergy should not attempt it. A technician has the equipment and the training to remove a nest from a safe position.
The advice given by phone is to keep clear of the nest and to call. A technician is booked as soon as one is free, and the nest can be removed on the first visit in most cases.
What should a household do if someone is stung?
Move away from the nest, remove the stinger if it is still in the skin, and watch for signs of an allergic reaction. Any difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or widespread hives needs emergency care.
A sting usually causes pain, swelling and redness for a few hours. Cold compresses and an over-the-counter antihistamine can help with the discomfort, and the area should be kept clean. Stings in the mouth or throat are more serious, and anyone who is stung there should seek care quickly.
A person who has had a severe reaction to a sting before should carry prescribed medication and follow the plan their doctor gave them. The technician can advise on keeping the nest away from that person, but cannot advise on medical treatment.
Why does the nest site need treatment after the removal?
Because a colony may rebuild in the same place if the site still smells of the nest or if the entrance is open. Treatment and a note on the entry point reduce that risk.
Wasps use scent to choose where to build, and an empty nest that still carries the scent can attract a new queen in the next season. The technician treats the site and notes any opening that was used, so the homeowner can seal it.
Eaves, soffits and sheds are checked for other nests in the same area. A single nest is often one of several in the same building, and the inspection looks for the others while the work is done.
What should a homeowner do in the weeks after the removal?
Watch the spot, keep food and drinks covered outdoors, and report any new wasps coming from the same opening. A new nest starting in the same place is a sign to call again.
Wasps that are still flying around a removed nest are often searching for it, and they will eventually stop. A few visitors in the first days are normal. A steady flow in and out of the same opening, or a new nest starting near the old one, means a follow-up is needed.
Keep sugary drinks and garbage closed outdoors, since they draw foragers to the yard. A covered bin and a cup with a lid can make a difference, and they are cheap changes.
- Keep food and drinks covered outdoors
- Keep outdoor bins closed and clean
- Note any new wasps coming from the same opening
- Call if a new nest starts in or near the same spot
