Dealing with Wasps: What You Need to Know –
For most of us, wasps are something we wish to avoid. They are most active during late summer and early autumn, and while a sting is painful and can cause swelling, it’s important to remember that for some people, a wasp sting can trigger a severe allergic reaction with serious consequences.
With this in mind, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of any wasp presence and take appropriate action if they are near your home or workplace. If you or someone else is stung and shows signs of an allergic reaction, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
How to Avoid Attracting Wasps –
Wasps are attracted to bright colours and strong scents, such as perfume. While it might be hard to avoid these during the summer, being mindful of how you might inadvertently attract wasps can help reduce the chances of an encounter. Wasps are also drawn to sugary drinks and food, so keeping areas clean and covering food and drinks when eating outdoors is a great way to minimise their interest.
What to Do if You Encounter a Wasp –
If a wasp approaches you, the key is to remain calm and move away slowly. Don’t attempt to swat it, as this will only provoke an attack. If you notice regular wasp activity, try to observe where they are coming from or heading to. If you discover a nest, never poke, hit, or disturb it in any way, as this can provoke the wasps and make the situation much worse.
While over-the-counter sprays and traps are available, they can sometimes aggravate the wasps rather than solve the problem. If you find a nest, it’s best to leave it alone and call a professional pest control service, we have technicians across the country and have over 40 years of experience dealing with wasps so please give us a call and we can advise you on what should be your next steps.
A Recent Wasp Removal Case –
Recently, I received a call from Lorna in our HQ to visit a house on the north side of Dublin. The resident, who had been caring for her grandchildren over the summer, noticed increased wasp activity around her home and was concerned about their safety while playing in the back garden. She had seen wasps entering a small gap near the eaves and was worried they had made their way into her attic.
Upon arriving, I observed the wasps from the outside of the house, put on my gear, and headed into the attic for a thorough inspection. As soon as I entered, I heard a faint but persistent buzzing sound. Moving further into the attic, I spotted a wasp nest. Wasps build nests ranging in size from a golf ball to a football, typically with a papery appearance. This one was over 60 cms in size and likely had been there for more than a month. Given its size, it was probably hosting around 2,500 wasps.
Wearing my protective suit, I safely approached the nest and neutralised it. I was then able to remove the nest and identify the point of entry, which I sealed to prevent any future infestations.
The Dos and Don’ts of Dealing with Wasps
If you ever find yourself dealing with a wasp nest, here are some crucial dos and don’ts:
Do:
- Stay calm and move away slowly if a wasp approaches.
- Monitor for early signs of wasp activity around your home.
- Contact us if you suspect a nest nearby.
Don’t:
- Swat at wasps or try to kill them yourself, as this can provoke them.
- Disturb a wasp nest by poking or hitting it.
- Rely solely on DIY methods like sprays or traps, as they can sometimes worsen the situation.
After the wasp disinfection, I explained what I had done and reassured her that the gaps had been sealed but reminded her that to preventing future infestations she needed to keep a close eye out for early signs of wasp activity.
Handling a wasp nest, especially in a domestic setting like an attic, requires skill, patience, and a keen eye for detail which is why we get regular updated training on how to deal with not only wasps but all flying insects. As a pest control technician my goal is always to resolve the problem efficiently while ensuring our customer feels informed and reassured throughout the process.
If you ever suspect a wasp nest in your home, it’s best to call in the professionals – your safety is paramount.
Stay safe and pest-free!
Contact Elis Pest Control today for fast, reliable pest control solution and keep your home or business safe!
