Found a Wasp Nest in Your Loft in New Ash Green? Here's What to Do
Wasps do not respect boundaries, and sometimes the nest troubling your home sits in a neighbour's roof space or shed. Here is a calm way to handle it.
When the source is not your roof
Occasionally the wasps you see in your house are not coming from your loft at all. If the neighbouring property's roof is close, and the flight line leads towards the wall you share or a gap on the boundary side, the nest may be in their roof space. Wasps are not choosy about which building they enter, and they will travel a surprising distance from the nest.
It is worth taking a careful look before deciding. Standing in your own garden, watch the roofline of both buildings for a few minutes from a safe distance. Notice where the wasps go in. If they disappear into a gap on your side of the roof, the nest is yours. If they travel past your roof and enter next door's, the problem is theirs.
In most cases a nest can be traced by taking a few photographs at different times of day, from your upstairs window if the angle is right. If wasps appear to travel in a straight line from a gap beneath the neighbour's eaves, you have strong evidence without taking any risk.
Finding out calmly
Before you knock on a door, gather a few facts so the conversation is helpful rather than accusatory.
- Which side of your property you see the most wasps on.
- Where they appear to enter, and at what time of day.
- Whether any come into your house through the ceiling.
- Whether you can see the entrance from your own garden or a window.
- A photograph taken from a distance, if possible.
Neighbours are often unaware. A short, friendly mention that you have noticed wasps near their roof, and an offer of our number, usually goes down better than a complaint.
Do not accuse. Wasp nests arrive without anyone asking for them, and there is no fault involved. Most neighbours are grateful for the warning, particularly if they have children or pets, or if they have been wondering about a noise from their loft.
Talking to the neighbour
Choose a good moment and keep it light. Say that you have seen wasps going in and out near their roof and wondered whether they knew. Offer to share the contact details of a specialist, and say that you are happy for them to book. Do not insist that they act, and do not go onto their property to look.
If the property is rented or empty, you may need to contact the landlord or agent. Whether they or the tenant are responsible depends on the tenancy agreement, which is not for us to say. If the building belongs to a business, find the manager or owner instead.
If they are away on holiday, leave a note through the door with your phone number and a brief description. Do not attempt to reach the nest from your side of the boundary, and do not climb onto garages or fences to get a look.
Keeping your own home safe
While the matter is being sorted out, protect your household. Keep the loft hatch shut and avoid your own roof space. Close doors of rooms where wasps are entering. Open a window to let strays out and keep it closed at other times.
Do not seal gaps, spray the wall or attempt to stop the wasps at the boundary. Doing so can push them into your house. If you are stung, wash the area, take out the sting, apply a cold pack and call 999 for signs of a serious reaction such as swelling of the face or throat, wheezing or dizziness.
If wasps are coming into your house, it is reasonable to book a visit to your own property, even before the neighbour has acted. The technician can look at your roof, confirm what is there and advise whether the source is likely to be next door.
If you cannot reach the neighbour, the managing agent or the local council office may be able to help with contact details, though we cannot speak for them. Keep a record of when you raised the matter, in case you need to refer back later.
Booking your own visit
If it turns out the nest is on your property, or you want a technician to check, the booking process is simple. Ring 01622 410 019 or send the form on the contact page. We are open seven days a week, offer same-day service, and keep evening and weekend appointments. The technician is fully insured and qualified.
Treatment is a fixed £120 per nest, with £60 for an additional nest on the same property and no call-out charge. One visit is guaranteed. Each property is treated separately, so if both yours and next door's have a nest, each is a separate booking. We work in New Ash Green and surrounding villages, for homes and commercial premises.
If you manage several homes, such as a block of flats or a terrace with shared access, tell us the layout. A shared roof space can need access through more than one property, and we will arrange the visit to suit.
When there are two nests
It is not unusual for neighbouring properties to have nests in the same season, because the conditions that suit one tend to suit the other. If your visit finds a nest on your side, that does not mean there is none next door, and the reverse is also true.
Once yours is treated, keep watching the roofline for a week or two. If activity continues from the neighbour's side, tell them. A gentle reminder, a photograph and our number are usually enough to prompt action.
Wasps on your property in New Ash Green?
Fixed price £120 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.