Why Are Wasps Flying Into Your Betteshanger Home? Common Causes and Solutions
Pet doors are built to let animals in, but they also let in insects, and a flap that sticks open or a bowl beside it can bring wasps indoors.
A door for animals, and for wasps
A cat flap is a hole in the door. Even when it is closed, the plastic can warp, the magnet can fail and the seal can wear. A flap that swings loose or sticks open is a standing invitation to any wasp that is exploring the back step.
Dog doors, which are larger, pose a greater risk. If you have a pet door in Betteshanger or elsewhere, it is worth including it in your wasp checks.
Think too about the door itself. A wooden door can warp in hot weather and leave a gap round the frame, and a glass panel can crack. Check that the door closes properly, and fit a draught excluder if it does not. An ordinary gap can be as welcome to a wasp as a flap.
Checking the flap
Take a look at the flap in daylight:
- Does it close fully and sit flush with the frame?
- Are there gaps at the sides or the bottom?
- Does the seal or brush strip show wear?
- Is the lock or magnetic catch working?
- Are there any dead wasps or insects on the inner step?
If the flap is damaged, replace it. An inexpensive new one is a good investment.
If you have a flap that fits into a wall or a window, rather than a door, check the surround as well. The seal between the frame and the brickwork can shrink, and the tunnel through the wall can have gaps. A small amount of filler or sealant around the outside may help, once any wasps have gone.
Fit a new flap with care. Follow the instructions, cut the hole to the right size, and seal the edges of the door so there is no gap round the frame. A snug fit is better for draughts and better for insects too. If you are not confident, ask someone with the right tools.
Food and water near the flap
Pets are often fed beside the flap, and that makes it a double lure. Move bowls into the middle of the room, away from the door. Wash them after each meal, wipe the floor and bring any leftovers in at once.
Do not leave out water with flavourings or treats near the doorway. And watch for a cat that brings prey indoors, as the remains can draw insects.
Cats that hunt are a special case. A mouse, a bird or a bit of fish carried indoors and left on the floor will draw insects. Clear it promptly, wipe the area and bin the waste outside.
Training and timing
Some households lock the flap during the hottest part of the day, when wasps are most active, and unlock it in the morning and evening. This works for a cat that is used to a routine. Others use a flap that locks with a microchip, and set it to keep the door closed for some hours.
If your pet is allowed in and out freely, check the area by the door each morning. Look for a wasp on the step or a trail leading in. Open the main door and let any wasp leave.
If you go away, ask the person caring for your pet to keep an eye on the flap. A neighbour who feeds the cat once a day should know to shut the flap in the heat of the afternoon, to check for wasps on the step and to call if they see a nest.
Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors can bring wasps in on their fur. A wasp that lands on a dog, or a cat that has been rubbing against a hedge, can arrive in the kitchen on its passenger. A quick glance at your pet as it comes in is worthwhile in summer.
When the flap is not the cause
A wasp that comes through a flap once is a stray. If wasps keep arriving through the flap, or elsewhere, from a particular direction, look for a nest. Wasps begin building in late April depending on the weather, and colonies can reach from 2,000 to 10,000 or more by August.
Keep your pet indoors if you can see wasps coming and going near the door. For a sting to a person, wash the area, remove the sting if visible and use a cold pack. Treat as an emergency and call 999 for difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the lips, face or throat, dizziness or a spreading rash. For an animal, speak to a vet.
An older flap is a good candidate for replacement. Newer designs have tighter seals and heavier flaps, and some have brush strips that reduce gaps. Ask in a pet shop or hardware store for a model that suits your door.
Arranging treatment
Wasp Exterminator Kent charges a fixed £120 for each nest treated, with one visit guaranteed, and a further nest at the same address costs £60 more. Technicians are fully insured and qualified, and they work seven days a week for domestic and commercial customers, with same-day service on offer.
You can phone 01622 410 019 or send an enquiry through the contact page form. Mention if animals live in the house, so they can be kept clear of the work area, and say if anyone is allergic.
If the nest is close to the flap, make sure the technician knows where your pet usually goes. Keep animals indoors on the day, and confirm where they will be.
If the flap is in a door leading to a garage, utility room or conservatory, tell the technician which doors your pets use, and how they get in and out.
Wasps on your property in Betteshanger?
Fixed price £120 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.