Do Wasps Return to the Same Nest Every Year? A Guide for Ramsgate Gardens
Accommodation that is full of different guests all summer needs a more careful routine, because a nest can be found by the wrong person at the wrong time.
A different kind of risk
In an ordinary home, everyone knows where the shed is and where the loose slate hangs. In a guesthouse or holiday let, visitors come and go, use the garden and patio without any knowledge of the property, and may have children who explore everything.
That raises the stakes if a nest is found. A colony that would be a nuisance to a family becomes a safety problem for guests, a source of complaints and a risk to the business’s reputation.
The comforting fact is that wasps do not return to the old nest. A colony lasts one season, and the old shell is empty by winter. But the same sites remain, so a regular check pays off. On the Kent coast at Ramsgate, as in any other holiday area, the season of busy lettings and the wasp season overlap.
Weather and seasons matter to a seaside business, as visitors come in numbers over the same weeks that wasps are most active. A property that has a calm, tidy appearance and a clear plan for dealing with a nest protects its good name.
The pre-season check
Before the first guests of the year arrive, walk the whole property with a list.
- Look at the roofline, eaves and chimney from the ground.
- Check outbuildings, bin stores and garden stores.
- Look at the patio, decking and any outdoor furniture.
- Examine hedges, trees and climbers.
- Check air bricks, vents and window frames.
- Look for holes in lawns and borders.
Do it again in mid-May and mid-June, then monthly. A quick record, with date and initials, shows that the property has been looked after.
If you have a team of cleaners or managers, give them a short written checklist. A person who has never seen a wasp nest is more likely to report something if they know what to look for and whom to call.
Take photographs of each stage of the check and keep them with the property records. If a guest raises a concern, it is helpful to show what was looked at and when.
Between guests
A changeover is a good time for a short check. The person who cleans and prepares the property can be asked to glance at the outside as part of their routine: the door frame, the porch, the patio furniture and the bin area. Anything unusual, such as wasps flying in and out of a gap, is reported on the same day.
Keep a simple log. If a guest reports a wasp problem, you will want to know when you last looked. Asking guests to tell you promptly if they see a nest, rather than trying to deal with it, protects them and you.
A property that is empty for several days between bookings is just like a house that has been left for a holiday. A nest can develop in that time without anyone noticing, so a check just before arrival is worth the few minutes it takes.
Guests who are sting-allergic
Some visitors will be allergic to stings. They may or may not tell you. It is sensible to put a short line in the welcome information about wasps: a note that they are common in the summer, that guests should not disturb a nest, and whom to contact. Do not make it alarming. A calm, practical note is enough.
If a guest is stung, general advice applies: wash the area, remove the sting if visible, and use a cold pack. If there is swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing, dizziness or a widespread rash, call 999.
Consider the position of tables, play equipment and barbecues in relation to likely nest sites. Moving a table away from a hedge or wall can reduce the chance of an incident.
Provide a clear point of contact for guests so that they can report a wasp problem quickly. A phone number in the welcome pack, and a second route such as a message, makes it more likely that you hear in good time.
Handling a nest during the season
If you find a nest while the property is occupied, cordon off the area, let guests know calmly, and arrange a visit. The earlier a nest is dealt with, the less disruption to the stay. If it is close to the entrance, you may need to offer another door or a different table for a day.
Whether a nest affects a booking, a refund or an insurance policy depends on your terms and your cover, so check those documents. For the practical side, call us.
Keep a note of the actions you took and the dates, as it is helpful if a guest asks what has been done.
Booking
We treat nests at domestic and commercial properties, including accommodation. The price is a fixed £120 per nest, and an additional nest on the same property is £60 extra. There is no call-out charge, and no extra cost for the time of day, so a visit between check-out and check-in costs the same as any other. The technicians who attend are fully insured and qualified, and the booking carries one visit guaranteed.
You can reach us on 01622 410 019, or book through the form at /contact-us/. Evening and weekend visits are available, and we work seven days a week. Out of normal office hours, emergency service can be requested through the online form.
If you manage several properties, tell us which one you are calling about and how guests reach the area, so we can arrange a visit with minimal disruption.
Wasps on your property in Ramsgate?
Fixed price £120 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.