A nest defends itself as a colony
One wasp away from the nest is usually interested only in food. At the nest it is different: disturbance brings out many workers at once, and a wasp that stings or is crushed releases an alarm scent that draws others in. Unlike a honeybee, a wasp can sting more than once.
The allergy risk
Most stings cause pain, redness and swelling. Some people react much more strongly, and many do not know they are allergic until it happens. Call 999 if someone who has been stung has difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, feels faint or confused, or collapses. Multiple stings raise the risk for anyone.
Ladders, lofts and roofs
Nests at the eaves, in chimneys and under tiles mean working at height. Being stung several times at the top of a ladder is a real way to fall. In a loft, the joists, poor light and lack of space make it hard to back away — see wasp nests in the loft.
Common DIY mistakes
- Blocking the entrance — the colony survives and finds another exit, sometimes indoors
- Spraying a shop-bought product into the hole at arm’s length
- Knocking a nest down with a broom or pole
- Pouring water, bleach or petrol into a ground nest, or setting it alight
- Tackling a nest in a hedge with a hedge trimmer running
The ground nest risks are covered in more detail in what to do about a wasp nest in the ground.
What is safe to do while you wait
- Keep children, visitors and pets away from the entrance and the flight path
- Close nearby windows and doors, and the loft hatch if the nest is in the roof
- Warn neighbours if the nest is on a shared wall or fence
- Photograph the entrance from a distance to help us plan
Is it definitely wasps?
Bees are treated differently, and some should be left alone. Check with wasp nest or bee nest before doing anything.
The cost of having it done
Wasp nest removal in Brent is £90 fixed price for a standard nest, with no charge for the loft or ladder work that makes DIY risky. The price is guaranteed: if the nest is still active within 30 days, we come back at no extra cost. Book wasp nest removal or read what happens after the visit.
