Wasp Nests Under Roof Tiles – A Common Problem for Northfleet Homes
A nest in the roof of a business premises is a safety, trading and reputation issue. This guide covers what owners and managers should do, and what to avoid.
When the nest is above a business
Wasps do not distinguish between a family house and a place of work. A pitched roof over a shop, a small unit, an office or a pub can host a nest just as easily as a home, and the gaps are the same: a displaced tile, a worn board or a joint at the eaves.
What differs is the number of people nearby. Staff, customers, delivery drivers and passers-by all come and go beneath the roof, and many have no idea what is above them.
Northfleet, next to Gravesend, has businesses of all kinds, and any of them can find itself with a nest over the entrance.
A business also has a reputation to consider. Customers rarely mind a sensible notice and a polite explanation, but they do mind being stung on the way in.
Protecting customers and staff first
The priority is to keep people away from the wasps' flight path. That generally means a few quick decisions, made calmly and before anything goes wrong.
- Rope off or cone the area directly beneath the entry point.
- Move any outdoor seating, queues or display stands away from the wall.
- Use another entrance if the main door is under the nest.
- Brief staff on what to do if someone is stung, and who to call.
- Tell delivery drivers before they reach the door.
A short, clear notice at the door is better than an open explanation to every customer. Something like 'please use the side entrance' is enough.
Keep a record of the date you spotted the problem, what you did and when the visit took place. If your premises are rented, or covered by an insurance policy, that record is something you may be glad of.
If the premises are shared with other tenants, tell the neighbouring units too. A nest over a shared walkway affects everyone using it, and a short word with the other businesses saves confusion.
Keep the premises open if you can, but carefully
A nest in the roof is not always a reason to close. If the entry point is away from the entrance and public areas, many businesses carry on trading while they wait for a visit. Use judgement. If wasps are coming indoors, or if staff or customers are nervous, closing the affected area is sensible.
Food premises in particular should keep waste bins covered, wipe sugary spills promptly and keep food and drink under cover. Wasps are drawn to those, and a nest nearby makes things worse.
What matters is to avoid any attempt to deal with the nest in-house. A caretaker with a ladder and a can of spray is a risk to himself and to the people around.
Cafés, takeaways and pubs deserve a particular mention, because open food and drinks will draw wasps from the nest to the tables. Clear plates promptly and keep sugar dispensers closed.
Why not to block the gap or send someone up
It is tempting for a manager to ask a maintenance person to fix the gap quickly. But a nest of several thousand wasps will not tolerate that. A blocked entry means wasps looking for an alternative, which may include the ceiling space, an air vent or a light fitting.
A roof is also an unsafe place for anyone without the right access equipment. The sensible approach is to leave it to a technician who is fully insured and qualified.
Whether your own insurance or lease says anything about pest treatment, or who is responsible for the roof, depends on your policy and the terms of your lease. Check them, and do not assume.
Do not rely on a quick repair by a passing handyman either. Even a skilled tradesperson will not want to work next to a live colony.
Information to have ready when you ring
When you contact the office, it helps to give a short, clear picture so that the visit can be planned.
- The business name and type of premises.
- The side of the building and the approximate height of the entry.
- Opening hours, and whether an out-of-hours visit would be useful.
- Whether anyone on the staff or among regular visitors is allergic to stings.
- Who will meet the technician and give access.
If a customer or member of staff is stung, wash the area, remove the sting if visible and apply a cold pack. Call 999 for swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing, trouble breathing, dizziness or a widespread rash.
Be honest about how busy the entrance is. If hundreds of people pass beneath the nest each day, say so, because that helps the office judge how urgently to book your visit.
Price, booking and afterwards
Dealing with a nest costs a fixed £120 per nest, and a second nest on the same property adds £60 extra. There is no call-out charge, and there are no added costs for the location or the time of day. The offer is one visit guaranteed.
The business works seven days a week, with same-day service and evening and weekend appointments, so a visit can be arranged outside trading hours. Call 01622 410 019, or use the online form, which also handles emergencies when the office is shut. Domestic and commercial customers are both served.
After the visit, a few stragglers may return to the old entry. When the activity stops, have the roof gap repaired. The technician can tell you whether the empty nest can be taken down.
If the premises are part of a larger building, such as a unit in a terrace, mention that to the office so the technician knows which part of the roof is yours.
Keep the staff informed afterwards as well, so that nobody is surprised by a lingering wasp and nobody thinks the job is incomplete when a few return to the old spot.
Wasps on your property in Northfleet?
Fixed price £120 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.