Wasps - How To Control Them
Why Control Them?
- There are several species of wasp. Some are solitary, others are social and build large nests.
- By far the most abundant are the Common Wasp and the German Wasp, both of which have the ability to nest underground, in trees or in cavities, garden sheds and roof spaces etc.
- Although wasps can be beneficial in the garden by killing many garden pests, they are widely feared for their ability to sting which can be very painful and, very rarely, fatal, usually due to anaphylactic shock.
- Wasps do not die after stinging, (unlike bees), and can sting more than once.
- They can become a problem when they nest in and around domestic properties, especially in late summer when they become irritable with the onset of cooler weather and feeding on fermenting, over-ripe fruit juices.
- It is only necessary to destroy nests when they are located in or near buildings or near sensitive areas such as play areas for children.
Treatment
- Wasps are generally easy to control using a number of commercial products, (for use against wasps), if access to the nest, or near to the nest area can be gained.
- Flight lines of foraging worker wasps going into, or away, from the nest will show the location of the nest entrance.
- Nests should be treated after dusk when the wasps are at their least active. Protective clothing should always be worn including gloves, tight fitting sleeves and trouser cuffs. Other people and pets should be kept well away.
- Only nests that can be easily reached should be treated. Difficult to reach nests should be left to professional pest controllers.
Treating Nests
Nests can be treated with insecticide (designed for killing wasps) in the following ways:
- Dusting
Insecticide powder is applied around and into the entrance of the nest. The powder is then carried on the bodies of the wasps, where it contaminates the centre of the nest and eventually kills the queen and remaining wasps.
- Spraying
A liquid insecticidal spray is applied directly onto the nest or to the entrance holes of the concealed nest. The spray contaminates the nest in the same way as the powder.
Dead wasps can still sting so remember to sweep up and safely dispose of any dead ones.
Non harmful Wasps and Bees
Every effort should be made to avoid carrying out control treatments against non-pest wasp species and bees, because of their strong beneficial role as pollinators and predators of garden pests.
If you have any doubt about the identification of the insect please contact the Pest Control Service on the telephone number below.
Treatment of stings
- Wash the site of the sting with soap and water and use an ice pack to slow the spread of the venom and reduce the swelling. An anti-histamine preparation can be applied to reduce irritation and pain.
- If stung in the mouth, medical aid is essential and urgent as swelling may hinder breathing. Consult a doctor immediately.
Safety First
- Please remember that pesticides are dangerous. Always read the label before use and follow the manufacturers instructions at all times.
- Keep pesticides away from children and pets at all times.
Further Advice
If you have any questions about the information on this page or would like a professional treatment, please contact our Pest Control section (details at bottom of page).
Disclaimer:
North East Derbyshire District Council issues this guidance in good faith having taken all reasonable steps to confirm the accuracy of this information. It does not warrant or represent that the information is entirely accurate in every detail and the Council does not accept liability for any loss, damage or inconvenience howsoever caused which arises from use of or reliance upon this guidance.
The download below is in PDF format, for which you require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this go to the Adobe site to download it.
Downloads
Click here to download a copy of our leaflet on how to control and treat for wasps. (993 KB)
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