Finding a wasp nest

Finding a wasp nest around your home can be worrying. But what happens if the nest appears to be inactive? Many people discover an old or dead wasp nest in their loft, shed, garden or roof space and wonder if it needs to be removed.

In most cases, a dead wasp nest is no longer dangerous. However, it’s still important to understand how wasp nests work and when it might be best to have the nest removed.

What to do if your unsure?

If you’re unsure whether a nest is active or not, a professional pest controller can inspect the nest and advise on the safest course of action.

How To Tell If A Wasp Nest Is Still Active

If you discover a nest around your property, it’s important to confirm whether it is active.

Signs that a nest may still be active include:

Wasps flying in and out of the same hole
A steady flow entering roof or wall space
Buzzing sounds from walls, ceilings or lofts

If you notice this type of activity, the nest should not be disturbed. Wasps can become highly aggressive when their nest is threatened.

Not sure if your nest is still active?

Ian Smith pest control can inspect and safely remove wasp nests across Lancashire and Greater Manchester

What To Do If You Find A Wasp Nest

If you find a wasp nest around your home or business, avoid attempting to remove it yourself.

Wasps will defend their nest aggressively and can sting multiple times if disturbed. Professional pest controllers use specialist equipment, protective clothing and approved treatments designed specifically for wasp nests.

If the nest is still active, professional wasp nest removal is the safest option.

wasp nest

Wasp Nest Removal Across Lancashire & Greater Manchester

Ian Smith Pest Control provides professional wasp nest removal across Bolton, Wigan, Chorley, Preston and surrounding areas.

If you’re unsure whether a nest is active or need help dealing with a wasp problem, it’s always best to have the situation checked by an experienced pest controller.

Call 07821 318954 for advice or to arrange wasp nest removal.

A wasp nest becomes inactive when the colony that built it has died off. Unlike bees, wasp colonies usually only last for a single season.

By late autumn or early winter, most of the wasps in the nest die as temperatures drop. Only the fertilised queen survives, leaving the nest behind.

This means the nest itself becomes empty and inactive.

Old nests are often found in places such as:

  • lofts
  • roof spaces
  • sheds
  • wall cavities
  • bushes or trees
  • garages

These nests are made from chewed wood mixed with saliva, which gives them their distinctive paper-like appearance.

One of the most common questions people ask is whether wasps return to old nests.

Generally, they do not reuse the same nest. Each spring a new queen will build a completely new nest for her colony.

However, a new nest may sometimes appear near the old one if the location is suitable for nesting.

For example, if a loft or roof space provided good shelter once, another queen may choose a similar area the following year.

In many situations, leaving a dead nest in place does not cause any problems. Because the colony has died, the nest no longer contains active wasps.

Some homeowners choose to leave old nests in loft spaces or sheds without any issues.

However, there are situations where removal may still be sensible, particularly if:

  • the nest is large
  • it is located in an area where it may cause concern
  • you are unsure whether the nest is truly inactive

If there is any wasp activity around the nest, it may still be active and should be checked by a professional pest controller.