Wasp Nest in Your Garden Shed? Safe Treatment Options in Thanington Without
Not every buzzing insect in an outbuilding is a wasp. Knowing which you have decides who to call, and this guide helps you tell.
Why the difference matters
Calling the right person saves time and, in some cases, protects an insect that is valuable to gardens. Honeybees and bumblebees pollinate crops and flowers, and a colony in a shed or wall is a matter for a local beekeeper or the relevant bee organisation, not for a wasp treatment.
Wasp Exterminator Kent treats wasps. The business does not treat bees or other pests. If you have a bee colony, it will tell you to contact a local beekeeper, so it is best to work out what you have before calling.
You do not need to be an expert. A few minutes of calm observation from a distance will give you most of what you need.
Sometimes it is a combination. A wasp nest and a bumblebee nest can exist on the same property, and a garden can host both. That is another reason to describe what you see and not to assume.
Both wasps and bees are protected by good sense, if not always by law, so a calm approach is best whichever you find. The most important thing is that nobody gets stung while you work it out.
What to look at from a distance
Never go close to make the comparison. Use what you can see from several steps back, ideally with a phone zoom.
- Wasps look smooth and sleek, with bright yellow and black bands and a narrow waist.
- Bumblebees look rounder and furry, often with a soft, fuzzy coat.
- Honeybees look slimmer than bumblebees, golden brown, and a little hairy.
- Wasps often enter a hole fast and direct, while bees may seem to hover and bumble.
- A papery grey nest points to wasps, while wax comb points to bees.
A clear photograph taken from a distance can help you or a professional to tell.
Behaviour is a useful clue. Wasps are often seen around food, drinks and bins in late summer, while bees tend to stay with flowers. Both may visit the same garden, however, so look at what is happening at the shed entrance in particular.
Where the clues are in the shed
A colony living in the shed gives away more than the insects themselves. Look at the entrance. A small, neat hole with constant traffic can be either, but a bumblebee nest in a cavity is often small and slow-moving, with a few dozen insects rather than a stream.
Listen too. Wasps tend to produce a dry, rasping noise, while bees produce a deeper hum. These differences are subtle, and you should not rely on them alone.
If you are still unsure, describe what you see to the business when you call. The person you speak to can often help you work out what to do next.
If the colony is inside a wall or roof space, you may only have sound and a few insects to go by. Do not open or disturb anything to find out more. The presence of a steady stream of insects at a single point is the thing to note.
A written list helps. Jot down the colour of the insects, the shape of the entrance, how fast they move and when they are busiest. Even rough notes are valuable if you later speak to a beekeeper or to the business.
Remember that you can always ring and talk it through before deciding who to call.
If it turns out to be bees
If you believe you have honeybees or bumblebees, leave them alone and contact a local beekeeper or the relevant bee organisation. Do not spray, block or disturb the entrance.
A swarm of honeybees may gather outside a building for a time, and a beekeeper can often move it. Bumblebee nests are usually small and are active for only part of the year.
Keep children and pets back, as bees can sting if threatened, but they are generally less likely to defend a site than a wasp nest.
Do not block the entrance for any insects that you think might be bees. Blocking can cause distress to the colony and may cause the insects to enter the building instead.
If it is wasps
Wasp Exterminator Kent covers Thanington Without and surrounding villages, for homes and commercial properties. You pay £120 for each nest treated, and there is no call-out charge, as one visit is guaranteed. A further nest on the same property is £60 more.
The business is open seven days a week, with same-day service and evening and weekend appointments. When it cannot wait, send an emergency request through the online form.
Phone 01622 410 019 or use the contact page form. Technicians are fully insured and qualified. If anyone in the household is allergic to stings, say so when booking.
If it turns out to be a wasp nest, the booking process is simple. The business will ask where the nest is, how to reach it and whether anyone is allergic.
Staying safe while you decide
Either way, keep clear of the shed until you know what you are dealing with. Do not open the door to check, and do not tap the walls.
If a stray insect lands on you, stay still or move away calmly. If stung, clean the area with water, remove any visible sting and cool it with a cold pack. Dial 999 if you see swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing, dizziness or a widespread rash.
Make a note of what you see and when, so that whoever you speak to has the details.
If you have any pets or children who might approach the shed, warn them as well. Insects are interesting to young ones, but a shed with a colony is no place for exploring.
Wasps on your property in Thanington Without?
Fixed price £120 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.