Effective Wasp Control: Methods to Safely Remove Wasps and When to Call Professionals
Wasps are an important part of our ecosystem. They’re predators that help to keep other insect numbers in balance, and they’re pollinators, too.
Living alongside wasps, though, can be tricky. Read on for an introduction to the hazards posed by wasps, some DIY wasp removal methods, and when to call in the wasp control experts.
Introduction to Wasps and Their Hazards
Did you know that the UK is home to around 9,000 species of wasps? Some of these are parasitic wasps that are so tiny they can barely be seen with the naked eye. About 250 of the species are larger wasps with stingers, and just nine are social wasps which congregate in large swarms.
The most common wasps you’re likely to encounter are the common wasp and the German wasp (the ones most likely to disrupt your picnics!), as well as the European hornet.
Unlike bees, which only sting once, a wasp can sting repeatedly. What’s more, if a wasp feels threatened it can emit a pheromone as a call for backup and you might soon find yourself overwhelmed.
For many, a wasp sting will result in minor swelling, a burning sensation and itching. A sting to the eye or inside the mouth, though, could require treatment. Some people can also be allergic to wasp stings: in this case a sting is a medical emergency that can sometimes be fatal if not treated straight away.
These are all good reasons to eradicate wasp nests as soon as you spot them on your property. But what’s the best way to do it?
DIY Wasp Control Methods
If you’re planning on tackling a wasp problem yourself, be prepared. Wear protective gear, including a face and head covering and gloves, and make sure there are no gaps where wasps could get underneath your clothing.
The best time to tackle a nest is at dusk or early in the morning as activity levels will be lower. You can buy sprays that can be applied to the entire nest, as well as wasp powders that should be placed both inside the nest and around the entrance.
Soapy water can be effective when sprayed at a nest, as it can prevent the wasps from being able to breathe. You can also buy or make wasp traps using sugary liquid as bait. The wasps will enter the trap, lured by the sweetness, but won’t be able to get out again.
Signs That DIY Methods Are Insufficient
DIY methods of wasp removal can be effective, but they’re not always the right choice. If someone in your property has a wasp allergy, you’ll want to make sure the wasps are all eradicated. If the nest is particularly large or in a hard-to-reach place (such as inside your walls) – or if your wasps are particularly aggressive – we don’t blame you for not wanting to tackle the problem alone!
There are plenty of risks associated with DIY wasp control. There’s the possibility of receiving multiple stings – which can be painful at best, fatal at worst. Aggressive wasp attacks may mean you can’t get the job done properly, while it’s possible that the shop-bought pesticides you use may not be strong enough, or may not be properly applied.
What’s more, if the queen or the developing wasp larvae survive your efforts, you might find that the nest is rebuilt, meaning you need to tackle the issue all over again.
The solution? Call in the professionals.
Calling in the professionals has a huge number of advantages. As well as saving yourself from potential pain, you can be sure that – if certified or accredited – a professional wasp removal service will adhere to certain industry standards.
That means a focus on both efficiency and safety, as well as helping you with long-term wasp prevention. They’ll have kit to help them reach nests in hard-to-access places, like roof spaces and inside walls. They’ll have industrial products rather than over-the-counter solutions, making them more effective. They’ll have the right protective gear for the job, and their experience means they can tackle even the biggest and most aggressive swarms.
A professional wasp control company will fully assess your individual situation before formulating a plan of attack. Once they’ve eliminated the wasps, they’ll generally leave the nest. Wasp nests are rarely used twice, and can also act as a deterrent against future swarms from using the space as a nesting site.
The team will fully inspect the area and apply further treatments if needed, as well as giving you advice on preventing infestations from returning.
But how can you choose the right wasp removal company?
How to Choose a Professional Wasp Control Service
It can be hard to decide which professional wasp control service to use when there are so many out there – and when you’ll no doubt want to make a quick decision. However, there are certain things you can look for that will make it easier.
Take a look at the company’s website to see if they have any industry accreditations or certifications – if they do, they’ll shout about them. These show that the business adheres to industry standards for wasp removal, so you know they’ll do a professional job.
Check how much experience they have in wasp nest removal, and look for information about which removal methods they use: are they up-to-date, safe and effective? You can learn more about the Pest Stop Boys approach here.
Finally, take a look at sites like Checkatrade for customer reviews. The company’s website may promise a lot, but are customers happy with what they actually deliver?
You’ll also want to double-check the ethical credentials of the business you plan on using. Not all wasp control solutions are environmentally friendly – and many of them could eliminate non-pests if not used carefully. If you want to find out more about approaches to wasp removal that take environmental and humane concerns into consideration, get in touch.
