When Wasp Season Starts
Wasp nests in the UK typically become noticeable between May and September. Queens emerge from hibernation in spring and begin building nests. By mid-summer, a single nest can contain 5,000–10,000 wasps.
In the Midlands, the most common species are the common wasp (*Vespula vulgaris*) and the German wasp (*Vespula germanica*). Both are aggressive when their nest is threatened.
Where Do Wasps Build Nests?
Wasps build nests in sheltered, undisturbed spots — often places you don't check regularly:
- Loft spaces and roof voids — the most common location
- Garden sheds and garages
- Under roof eaves and soffits
- In walls (through air bricks or gaps in mortar)
- Underground in old rodent burrows
- In dense shrubs and hedges
Can You Remove a Wasp Nest Yourself?
Technically yes — but it's genuinely dangerous. Here's why:
Wasps release an alarm pheromone when threatened. This signal causes other wasps in the nest to become immediately aggressive and attack. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times and don't die afterwards.
A single person disturbing a large nest can receive dozens of stings in seconds. For someone with an undiagnosed allergy, this can trigger anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening.
Spraying a nest with foam or powder from a garden centre rarely works on a large nest — it tends to agitate the colony rather than eliminate it.
What a Professional Does Differently
A pest controller uses professional-grade insecticide (not available over the counter) applied directly into the nest entrance. The active ingredients are absorbed by the wasps as they enter and exit, spreading through the colony.
The process:
- Identify the nest entrance — sometimes requires inspection of roof voids or wall cavities
- Apply treatment — takes around 15–20 minutes on site
- Advise on return visits — most nests are dead within 24–48 hours; a follow-up may be needed for large nests
The nest itself doesn't need to be physically removed — once the colony is dead, it won't be reused. It will naturally break down over winter.
How Much Does Wasp Nest Removal Cost?
Professional wasp nest treatment in the Midlands typically costs between £50–£90 depending on the location of the nest and accessibility. That's a small price compared to the A&E bill — or worse.
Wasp Nest Removal in Leicester & Across the Midlands
Pest Control 24/7 treats wasp nests across Leicester, Wigston, Oadby, Blaby, Hinckley, Loughborough, and the wider Midlands — same-day appointments available.
Call 0116 3667269 or request a quote online.