Wasp Nests Under Roof Tiles – A Common Problem for Erith Homes
Once a nest is treated the roof still needs mending. This guide covers the order of work, what to ask a roofer and how to avoid a repeat.
Two separate jobs in the right order
A roof wasp nest involves two distinct tasks. The first is to deal with the colony. The second is to repair whatever let the wasps in. They are done by different people with different skills, and the order matters.
Doing the repair first can trap the colony in the roof. Doing nothing afterwards leaves the gap open for the next wasp looking for a site. The sensible sequence is to treat, wait and then repair.
Erith, in the London Borough of Bexley, has the same mix of roofs as anywhere, and the same advice applies to all of them.
People sometimes call a roofer first, because the roof needs mending and the roofer is the obvious person. That is understandable, but a roofer will usually want the wasps dealt with before they set foot on the slope.
How long to wait before the roofer starts
Once the nest has been treated, wasps that were away at the time may return to the old entry for a short while. A roofer working at that spot meets them. It is best to let the activity die away fully before work begins.
The technician can give you a view on when it is safe. If you are not sure, ring the office and describe what you see at the roof.
Tell the roofer there was a nest and where it was. They need to know where the entry was, and they may want to check inside the void.
Weather also plays a part in timing. A repair needs a dry spell, so book your roofer for a settled week once the nest has been treated, and do not leave it so late that the autumn rain arrives first.
If you notice wasps still active after a few days, ring the office to check before inviting anyone onto the roof.
What the roofer might do
The repair depends on where the gap is. The usual tasks are as follows.
- Resetting or replacing slipped, cracked or missing tiles.
- Rebedding ridge or hip tiles and repointing the joints.
- Replacing a rotten section of soffit or fascia board.
- Renewing lead flashing where it meets a chimney or wall.
- Fitting mesh to vents so that insects cannot get in.
Ask the roofer to check the roofline around the nest for similar weak points. A single gap often has relatives.
A roofer may also recommend lining the area with new felt or boards around the old nest site, since the colony will have chewed and soiled it. That is their judgement to make once they can see it.
It can be worth taking photographs before and after the repair. They give you a record of what was done and where, which is handy for a landlord, an insurer or a future buyer.
Choosing a roofer sensibly
Take your time over the choice, and do not accept a vague quote. Ask for a clear description of the work, the materials and the cost, in writing. Ask whether they carry insurance, and what happens if the weather delays the job.
Whether any of the cost can be claimed through home insurance depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. Read the wording or ask your insurer before you commit.
If you rent, the landlord or agent may arrange and pay for the repair. That is a matter for the tenancy agreement, so check it before you book anyone.
Get two or three quotes if you can, and compare what each covers, not just the total. A cheap quote that leaves the same gap open is no saving.
What to do about the empty nest
The old nest is a papery shell. It does no harm, but some people prefer it removed, and it can be in the way of a repair. Whether it can be taken down depends on where it is, and the technician can tell you what is practical.
Ask when you book, since it is easier to arrange that at the same visit. If the nest is in a place that the roofer will open up anyway, leave it for them and tell them it is empty.
Do not reach into the roof yourself to pull it out. If someone is stung, rinse the skin, lift out any visible sting and put a cold pack on it. Dial 999 straight away if there is swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a wheeze or trouble breathing, or the person feels dizzy or comes out in a rash across the body.
If the nest was in the loft side of the roof, ask the roofer to look at the insulation nearby as well. Staining and debris may need clearing.
The wasp treatment: price and booking
Each nest is dealt with at a set £120 per nest, and attendance is not charged separately. A second nest on the same property comes to £60 extra. Nothing extra is added for an old, awkward or high roof, and the price graphic shows the line one visit guaranteed.
Ring 01622 410 019 or fill in the booking form on the contact page to arrange the treatment. The form is also for emergencies when the office is shut. The business is open all seven days, with same-day service, plus evening and weekend slots, and it deals with homes and businesses using an insured, qualified technician.
Book the roofer once the wasps have gone, ideally in dry weather. A neat repair then closes the door on next spring's nest-builders.
If you are in a rented property, report the gap to the landlord or agent, who can then decide who arranges the repair.
A tidy, dry repair after the treatment is the step that gives lasting peace of mind, and it is worth getting it done before the winter.
Wasps on your property in Erith?
Fixed price £120 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.