Wasp Nest Removal for Landlords and Rental Properties in Stubbs Cross
A nest in a loft raises practical questions about the hatch, the tenant’s boxes and who is allowed up there, long before it raises the question of treatment.
A nest in the roof space
Lofts are quiet, dry and warm in summer, and wasps use them. In a rented house, the loft raises particular issues because it is often used by the tenant for storage while remaining part of the structure the landlord looks after. A nest in the roof space can go unnoticed until the tenant hears buzzing from the ceiling or sees wasps coming through a light fitting or the hatch edge.
The nest itself is a matter for the technician. What the landlord can usefully do is make the visit possible: clarify who can enter the loft, make sure the hatch can be reached and find out what has been stored.
Wasp Exterminator Kent covers Stubbs Cross and the surrounding villages, for domestic and commercial premises, at a fixed £120 per nest.
A loft nest also tends to be deceptive in size. The buzzing heard through the ceiling is only a part of what is above, and the tenant may not guess how large it has grown. If you have any doubt, treat it as a significant nest and book without delay.
The hatch and what is in the way
Before booking, ask the tenant a few practical questions. Where is the hatch? Is it in a landing, a bedroom or a cupboard? Does it have a ladder, or does the technician need to bring one? What is stored in the loft, and is it near the nest? If the hatch is above a bed or a stair, say so.
- Ask the tenant to clear the area below the hatch, from a distance from any wasps.
- Do not ask anyone to go into the loft to move boxes first.
- Check there is lighting in the loft, or tell the business there is none.
- Mention whether the loft is boarded, and how far the boards extend.
- Say if the hatch is stuck or painted shut.
The less the technician has to move, the quicker the visit.
If the hatch opens onto a small landing, ask the tenant to keep the landing clear and to keep the doors of nearby rooms closed on the day. If the hatch is in the ceiling of a bedroom or a child’s room, suggest the tenant sleep elsewhere until the nest is treated, if wasps are being seen in the room.
Where there is no ladder, the technician may bring their own, but tell the business if the ceiling is unusually high or the landing narrow, so the visit can be planned.
Tenants’ belongings
Tenants may be anxious about boxes of belongings in the loft. Reassure them that the technician is concerned only with the nest, and that you will agree with them what is to be moved and when. It is often best for the tenant to move nothing until the visit is complete, especially if wasps are close to the hatch.
If belongings are affected by a nest, such as stained boxes or damaged fabric, note it and photograph it from a safe position afterwards. Whether any loss can be claimed depends on the tenant’s own insurance and the circumstances, and we cannot advise on it.
Take photographs only from a safe place such as the landing, never from the hatch itself.
Permission and notice
Entering a tenant’s home, including the loft, normally requires notice and agreement, and the tenancy agreement will say what is expected. We cannot give legal advice, but a courteous request in writing, offering a choice of times, is good practice. Do not use your own key to go in unannounced, however urgent it seems.
Evening and weekend appointments mean a working tenant can be present. Same-day service is available when the situation calls for it, and the business is open seven days a week. Explain to the tenant that a growing nest is a reason for speed, and most will cooperate.
Booking
Ring 01622 410 019 or book through the form on the contact page. Say that the nest is in the loft, describe the hatch and explain whether anyone is allergic to stings. The price is £120 per nest and £60 for an additional nest on the same property, with no call-out charge and no extra for the time of day or location.
Ask when booking whether the empty nest can be taken down, since you will not want the tenant attempting it. Our technician is fully insured and qualified, and the work is safe and effective.
If you do not hold the answers to these questions, ask the tenant first, then ring. A booking made with accurate information avoids a wasted trip.
Remember also to mention if there is a water tank, wiring or other equipment close to the hatch that the technician should know about. You do not need to understand it, only to report it.
Insulation and checks afterwards
After treatment, a landlord may want to check the roof space for damage, particularly if the loft is insulated, or if there are marks on the ceiling below. Do that only once the technician has confirmed the nest is no longer active, and preferably with a tradesperson.
Keep a note of the outcome and the date. Next April, ask the tenant to listen for noise from the ceiling and to report it. A nest found while it is small is a simpler job than one that has grown through the summer.
If the loft is later to be used for storage again, remind the tenant not to move boxes there until the all-clear has been given. A little patience avoids a nasty surprise.
Wasps on your property in Stubbs Cross?
Fixed price £120 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.