Wasp Nest Removal Across the East Midlands

Is it a wasp, a hornet or an Asian hornet?

Most nests we treat belong to the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) or the German wasp (Vespula germanica). Both are around 12–17mm long with bright yellow and black bands, and they build grey, papery nests in lofts, under roof tiles and soffits, in wall cavities, bird boxes, sheds and holes in the ground.

The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is a native species and much bigger, with chestnut-brown and yellow markings. Hornets are less aggressive than wasps unless the nest is disturbed, but a nest near a door or window still needs dealing with.

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive non-native species that preys on honeybees. It is slightly smaller than our native hornet, mostly dark brown or black with a single yellow-orange band near the end of the abdomen and yellow tips to its legs. If you think you've seen one, don't approach the nest: report it through the Asian Hornet Watch app or the online form on the GB Non-native Species Secretariat website (nonnativespecies.org), ideally with a photo.

When are wasp nests at their worst?

A single queen comes out of hibernation in spring and starts a nest the size of a golf ball. Through June and July the workers build it up quickly, and by August and September a nest can hold thousands of wasps. That's when we get the most calls, and when wasps become most defensive and start hunting for sugar around bins, picnics and pub gardens.

In autumn the new queens leave to hibernate and the rest of the colony dies off. Wasps don't reuse an old nest, so an empty nest found in winter doesn't need treating. If a nest is active and causing a problem, the earlier it's treated the smaller it is.

Are wasp stings dangerous?

For most people a sting is painful but harmless: a red, swollen and itchy lump that settles within a few days. The NHS advises washing the area with soap and water, using a cold compress and keeping the area raised. Unlike a honeybee, a wasp doesn't leave its sting behind, so it can sting more than once.

Some people have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). The NHS says to call 999 if someone has swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness or feels faint after a sting. If anyone in your household is allergic, or a nest is near a doorway, a child's bedroom or a play area, tell us when you call and we'll prioritise it.

Why DIY wasp nest removal often goes wrong

Shop-bought foam sprays only reach the wasps they touch. Most of the nest is out of reach inside the roof void or wall, so the colony survives and the wasps that were sprayed become aggressive. Knocking a nest down, blocking the entrance or pouring water into a ground nest usually ends with multiple stings, and wasps blocked into a cavity can chew their way into the house instead.

Ladders, roof edges and loft hatches add a fall risk. We carry extension lances and the right protective kit, so most nests can be treated from the ground or from inside the loft without anyone climbing onto the roof.

How we treat a wasp nest

We find the entrance the wasps are using, then puff a professional insecticide dust into the nest through that entrance. The returning wasps carry the dust deep into the nest, which is what kills the colony, including the queen. The visit usually takes 15–30 minutes.

You'll see some activity for a few hours as foraging wasps come back. Keep children and pets away from the entrance for 24 hours and don't block the hole, because the wasps need to carry the dust inside. Where a nest is in a loft or shed and safe to reach, we can remove it once it's dead.

What our customers say

“We are having some work done on the roof, and the men erecting the scaffolding discovered a wasp nest. We called Urgent pest Control and they were with us in just over half an hour. After treating the nest, they said it could take up to 10 days for total result. We never saw anything after the first day, and today is day eight and the roofers have removed a large empty nest.” Pam, Google review, July 2025

“After finding a wasp nest in the dorma, tried doing it myself but multiple stings and expletives later conceded to call in the professional. Gino was recommended by a friend. Very honest, transparent and professional service with clear next steps on what I should/shouldn't see in terms of activity.” Riz, Google review, November 2024