Wasps and Hornets
We receive many calls about wasps nests during the summer when the Queens make their way out of hibernation and begin making a new colony. Whilst one wasp sting can be painful and annoying, stings from multiple wasps or hornets can increase the chance of a life threatening allergic reaction. If your pet gets stung they too can have an allergic reaction which will mean an expensive trip to the vets!
Wasps are common in the UK, but thankfully hornets are not. If you do see one it will most likely be a European hornet. They tend to be less aggressive than wasps, however they may sting repeatedly if you appear to pose a threat to their nest.
How can I tell the difference between a wasp and a hornet?
Hornets are larger with brown and yellow marking instead of the black and yellow markings seen on bees and wasps. They will be much larger than any wasp you have seen before. They have other distinct features that Extermilex will be able to distinguish when we visit.
Can I remove them myself?
We wouldn’t advise removing nests yourself especially if you have a known allergy to their stings. Both wasps and hornets are territorial and will become aggressive when their nest is threatened. They are also social creatures who will release a pheromone to attract other wasps when they are in danger. This could lead to getting stung many times which will not be pleasant. We have a wealth of experience and equipment to correctly remove them without risking your wellbeing.
Do they need to be removed?
No, they don’t always need to be treated unless they are posing a risk to you or your pets. They are beneficial to the environment and reduce other pest populations such as caterpillars