What a ground nest looks like
From above you usually see only a hole, often no wider than a coin, with wasps flying straight in and out. The nest itself is below the surface, built in an old rodent burrow, a hollow under a paving slab, or the loose soil at the base of a wall, fence post or tree root. There may be a small spill of soil around the entrance.
Why ground nests catch people out
The ground carries vibration. Mowing, strimming, digging, children running or a dog sniffing at the hole can all trigger the colony to defend itself, and the wasps come up from under your feet. Stings to the legs and ankles are typical.
Mark it and keep clear
- Put a garden cane or an upturned pot a couple of metres away so everyone knows where it is — not over the hole
- Stop mowing or strimming that part of the lawn
- Keep children and dogs out of that part of the garden
- Avoid walking across the flight line to the entrance
What not to do
Do not pour boiling water, bleach or petrol into the hole, do not set fire to it, and do not cover it with a slab or soil. The nest can be much bigger underground than the entrance suggests, a partial soaking makes the colony more defensive, petrol and fire are dangerous, and a blocked nest simply digs another exit. More on the risks in is it safe to remove a wasp nest yourself.
Ground nests under decking and paths
Decking gives wasps a dry void with plenty of gaps. Gardens with raised decks and extensions, common around Queensbury, often have nests that go unnoticed until late summer. Paving slabs that rock when stepped on can have a nest in the hollow underneath.
Is it wasps or bees?
Many solitary bees, such as mining bees, dig small holes in lawns in spring, often dozens close together with little volcano-shaped mounds. They are harmless and gone within weeks. Bumblebees sometimes use old burrows too. Check with wasp nest or bee nest before booking.
Getting it treated
A ground nest is treated at the entrance, so the garden does not need digging up. It is £90 fixed price, guaranteed: if the nest is still active within 30 days, we come back at no extra cost. Book wasp nest removal and tell us roughly where the hole is in the garden, or read about wasp nest removal in Brent.
