How to Spot a Wasp Nest Before It Becomes a Problem!

Spring and early summer are prime times for wasp to start building their nests. Catching a nest early can prevent an infestation and reduce the risks of stings. Queen wasps start to emerge and start working on new nests in the Spring, by the summer months wasp nests are working overtime with up to 300 eggs being produced every day and up to 5,000 adults feeding grubs and building the nest structure. Here’s how to identify wasp activity before things get out of hand.

1. Early Signs of Wasp Activity

Before a nest is fully formed, you can notice an increase in wasp activity around your home or garden. Signs to watch out for include:

• Wasps flying in and out of the same area frequently.
• Unusual buzzing noises coming from hidden spaces.
• Wasps gathering wood pulp from fences, sheds or wooden furniture to build their nests.

2. Where Wasps Like To Nest

Wasps prefer to build their nests in sheltered areas that provide protection. Common nesting spots to keep an eye on are:

• Roof Spaces & Lofts: Wasps enter through small gaps in the eaves.
• Sheds & Garages: Especially in corners or behind items.
• Under Eaves & Gutters: these areas offer protection from wind and rain.
• Wall Cavities: Small holes in brickwork or vents are easy entry points.
• Bushes, Trees & Hedges: Some wasps prefer external locations or build within holes in the ground.

3. What Does a Wasp Nest Look Like?

In the early stages of a wasp nest it is around the size of a golf ball or a small walnut.

It has a papery appearance, and it’s made from chewed-up wood fibers.

As the nest growths, it can become as large as a football, housing thousands of wasps.

4. How to Prevent Wasp Nest

To reduce the chance of wasp nesting on your property or business:

• Seal any gaps and cracks around your home to prevent entry.
• Keep bins covered and clean up food spills to avoid attracting wasps.
• Regularly check lofts, sheds and eaves for early signs of nest formation.

5. What To Do If You Spot a Nest?

If you notice a small nest it’s best to take action early:

✅ Keep Calm: Avoid swatting or making sudden movements.

✅ Keep Your Distance: Wasps can become aggressive if they feel their nests is threatened.

✅ Don’t try to remove if yourself: DIY removal can be dangerous especially for larger nests.

✅ Give us a call: We have the equipment and expertise to remove wasp nests safely and effectively with a free re-treat if needed.

Need Professional Wasp Nest Removal?

🛑 Don’t risk painful stings or an aggressive nest —let us handle it for you!

📞 Call us today on 01983 406999

📧 Email us at info@hillbanspestcontrol.co.uk