Wasps

Appearance

When it comes to spotting a common wasp, Vespula vulgaris, the first thing you’ll notice is their distinctive black and yellow striped body. They are typically around 12-17 millimetres in length, though queens can be a bit larger, up to 20 millimetres. Their waist, known as the petiole, is quite narrow, giving them that characteristic “wasp-waist” look. Unlike bees, wasps have a smooth body and legs, which helps to differentiate between the two at a glance. Their wings are long and slender, usually folded longitudinally when at rest.

Their face is also distinct, featuring large compound eyes that provide them with excellent vision. These eyes are often a dark brown or black colour, contrasting with their yellow face markings. Additionally, wasps have antennae that are usually black and slightly curved. The antennae play a crucial role in their ability to sense their environment, helping them to locate food and communicate with other wasps.

One interesting fact about the appearance of wasps is their ability to retract their stingers. Unlike bees, whose stingers are barbed and remain in the skin, a wasp’s stinger is smooth and can be used multiple times. This makes them particularly formidable and a concern for those who might accidentally disturb them.

Habitat

Wasps are incredibly adaptable creatures and can be found in a variety of habitats. They often build their nests in sheltered spots such as roof spaces, wall cavities, eaves, and even underground. The nests are made from chewed wood fibres mixed with saliva, creating a paper-like material. You might find wasps in gardens, parks, forests, and urban areas. Essentially, they can thrive almost anywhere there’s access to food and a safe place to nest.

Wasps are frequently found in places close to human activity. This includes attics, sheds, garages, and even inside walls. They are attracted to these locations because they offer protection from the elements and predators. In rural areas, wasps might build their nests in hollow trees, underground burrows abandoned by rodents, or among thick vegetation.

The construction of a wasp nest is quite fascinating. The queen begins the process in spring by choosing a suitable location and starting the nest from scratch. She chews wood fibres to create a papery substance, forming the initial cells where she will lay her eggs. As the first workers emerge, they take over the construction and expansion of the nest, allowing the queen to focus solely on egg-laying. Over the summer, the nest can grow significantly in size, sometimes reaching the size of a football or even larger.

Behaviour

Wasps are social insects, living in colonies that can number up to several thousand individuals. Each colony has a queen, whose primary role is to lay eggs, while the worker wasps (infertile females) take care of building the nest, foraging for food, and taking care of the young. They are known for their aggressive behaviour, especially when their nest is threatened.

The lifecycle of a wasp colony begins in the spring when the queen emerges from hibernation. She starts building a new nest and lays the first batch of eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae, which the queen feeds until they pupate and become adult workers. From this point on, the workers take over the nest’s maintenance and care, while the queen continues to lay eggs.

In terms of diet, wasps are omnivorous. Early in the season, they primarily hunt other insects to feed the developing larvae. This includes caterpillars, flies, and other pests, which is why wasps can be beneficial in controlling garden pests. The larvae, in return, produce a sweet secretion that the adult wasps consume. As the season progresses and the number of larvae decreases, the adult wasps’ diet shifts more towards sugars. This is why you might find wasps buzzing around your picnic or bin, seeking out sugary foods and drinks.

In the UK, our BPCA-accredited pest controllers often deal with wasp infestations in a variety of locations. Wasps are particularly aggressive in defending their nests, and this behaviour can pose significant risks to people and pets. Our experienced team uses safe and effective methods to handle wasp nests, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum safety.

Why are Wasps considered a pest?

Wasps can become a real pest for a number of reasons. Their sting is painful and can cause severe allergic reactions in some people, which can be life-threatening. They are particularly problematic in late summer and early autumn when their usual food sources dwindle, and they start scavenging around human habitats, getting into drinks, food, and bins.

Their nests, often hidden away in eaves, sheds, and lofts, can also pose a problem. If disturbed, wasps can become very aggressive and attack in large numbers, posing a significant risk to anyone nearby. Additionally, a large nest can cause structural damage over time due to its weight and the way it is built.

From a public health perspective, the threat posed by wasp stings cannot be understated. For most people, a wasp sting results in pain, redness, and swelling. However, for those who are allergic, stings can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a rapid drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

Moreover, the presence of wasps can disrupt outdoor activities and businesses, particularly those that involve food, such as restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating. Patrons are often distressed by the presence of wasps, which can lead to a decline in business. In some cases, wasps can also contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria as they forage, posing additional health risks.

Another reason wasps are considered pests is their potential to damage property. As they build their nests, wasps chew through wood, insulation, and other materials. Large nests, especially those built in attics or wall cavities, can cause structural issues over time. The weight of the nest combined with the damage caused by the wasps can lead to costly repairs.

Lastly, wasps can be particularly aggressive when defending their nests. If they feel threatened, they will not hesitate to sting repeatedly. This aggression can make it dangerous to attempt to remove a nest without professional help. The risk of multiple stings increases significantly if a nest is disturbed, which can be especially hazardous for those who are allergic.

Dealing with Wasps

At Clark Pest Control, we understand the challenges posed by wasp infestations. Our BPCA-accredited pest controllers are highly trained and vastly experienced in dealing with these pests. We use a range of effective methods to ensure wasps are removed safely and efficiently.

In some cases, particularly when nests are located in sensitive or high-traffic areas, we might recommend the physical removal of the nest. This can be a more immediate solution, but it requires careful handling to avoid provoking the wasps. Our team is equipped with protective gear and the expertise to safely remove nests and minimise the risk of stings.

Preventative measures are also crucial in managing wasp populations. We offer advice on how to make your property less attractive to wasps, such as sealing entry points, removing potential food sources, and using wasp traps. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help to identify and address wasp activity before it becomes a major issue.

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