Are Wasps Dangerous? Understanding Stings and Nest Disturbance in Horden
Once the nest has been dealt with, a few sensible steps keep the household safe while you return to normal, and the technician can answer your questions.
When the technician has gone
After the visit, most people feel a sense of relief, and many want to rush straight back outside. A little patience pays off. Before you do anything, ask the technician what they advise for your particular nest, and follow that over anything you read in a general article.
As a general rule, stay away from the spot where the nest was until you are told it is fine to go there. Wasps that were out foraging when the visit took place may still return to the area, and a nest that is no longer active can still have wasps hanging around it for a time. Keep children and pets away from it as well.
If you have pets, keep them in until you know it is safe. A dog that finds a stray wasp near the old nest can be stung just as easily as a person.
You may have a lot of cleaning to do after a nest in the house, such as debris in a loft or dust on a sill. Wait until you are told it is fine to clear it, and wear gloves.
Questions to settle at the visit
It is easiest to ask while the technician is there.
- Can the empty nest be taken down, and by whom?
- When is it sensible to use that part of the garden or building again?
- Is there anything I should look out for in the next few days?
- What could make my property less attractive to wasps next year?
- If wasps are still around, whom should I contact?
Make a note of the answers, since you may not remember them in the days that follow.
Also ask whether there is anything else in the property that might attract wasps, such as a gap in the eaves or an open air brick, and whether a repair is worthwhile. A technician sees many properties and often spots things that you cannot.
If a landlord or agent arranged the visit, ask for a record of what was done, and keep it for your files.
What you might see
You may notice a few wasps hovering where the nest was, or the odd wasp inside the house in the following days. That is not unusual, as insects that were away from the nest can come back to find it gone. Treat them as you would any wasp: do not swat, let them settle and leave, and open a window if they come indoors.
Dead wasps on a sill or floor can still sting if handled, so pick them up with a tissue or a dustpan, not bare fingers, and keep them away from children and pets. If you notice a sudden new flow of wasps to the same spot, or a new location, contact us.
If you spot a growing number of wasps near the original site over several days, tell us. Do not assume it is bad luck, and do not try to deal with it yourself.
Wasps are sluggish in cool air, so those that remain may seem harmless, but they can still sting if they are touched or trapped.
The empty nest
An old nest can remain in a roof space, wall cavity or tree for some time. If it is accessible and the technician says it can be taken down, ask who will do it. Do not pull it down yourself unless you have been told it is safe, and wear gloves and keep your face away if you do. If it is in an awkward place, you may choose to leave it, and the technician can advise.
Some people like to block the entrance afterwards to discourage another nest. Wait for advice before you do,.
Keep children away from an old nest in a tree or hedge, as the papery shell is tempting to pick up. Even an empty one can contain a stray insect.
It is also worth checking the loft or shed again when the weather warms, since new insects may look for a sheltered spot in the same place.
Looking ahead
Check the same places again in spring and early summer, which is when a new nest may begin. A few minutes of looking in the eaves, shed, hedge and bank can save a lot of trouble. If you see a regular flow of wasps to one point, keep away and ring for advice.
If anyone in the household is allergic, remind them of the plan, and keep any prescribed medicine up to date by speaking to their GP.
A note in the diary for April to remind you to look is surprisingly helpful. People forget as soon as the summer ends.
Children enjoy being given a job, so ask them to help you check hedges and walls from a distance each month.
Booking and aftercare
Our fixed price is £120 per nest with one visit guaranteed, and each further nest on the property is £60 extra. There is no call-out charge, we are open seven days a week and same-day service is offered, covering Horden and the surrounding area. Technicians are fully insured and qualified. Speak to us on 01622 410 019 or use the booking form at /contact-us/. If a stray wasp makes you uneasy after the visit, or you are stung, wash the area, apply a cold pack and watch for the signs that call for 999, such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
Having a second look at the property after a week or two gives peace of mind. Tell us if you have concerns.
Keep the receipt or confirmation, as it may be useful if you ever need to show that work was done.
Wasps on your property in Horden?
Fixed price £120 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.