When Is Wasp Season in Little Owston?

If you only have a minute, this guide answers the most common questions about when wasps start, when they peak and when the right moment to call is.

When does wasp season start?

Wasps start building nests in early April depending on the weather and how mild the spring is. A single queen begins the nest, so early on there are very few wasps and the nest is small.

The start varies from year to year, so a date on the calendar is only a rough guide. Watch for a wasp repeatedly entering the same gap, hole or corner during a warm spell.

People often ask whether a nest that starts early will be bigger by the summer. In general, more time means more growth, though wasps respond to the weather and conditions as they go. There is no way to say exactly how large any nest will be.

Because the start is gradual, there is rarely a moment when you can say that the season has begun. It is more like a dial turning slowly, which is why a regular glance around the property is more useful than waiting for a signal.

When is the peak?

The colony grows through the summer and peaks in August. At that point a nest can hold as many as 2,000 wasps, which is why August is when most people become aware of one.

It is also when the nest is at its most defensive, so this is the time of year to be most careful about keeping away from it.

The number of wasps you see around the house does not tell you the size of the nest. Foragers spread out across the area, so a modest number in the garden can come from a very large colony somewhere out of sight.

Think of the figure as a ceiling, not an average. Most nests are smaller, but the possibility of a very large colony is the reason for caution around any active entrance.

When do wasps become a nuisance at the table?

Later in the summer, wasps are more interested in sweet food and drink. That is when they hover over picnics, cans and bins. A few wandering wasps are normal, but a steady line coming from one direction suggests a nest nearby.

• Cover food and drink outdoors.
• Close bins and rinse recycling.
• Pick up fallen fruit.
• Stay calm if one lands on you.

If wasps are particularly bothersome at a spot where you often sit, try moving the seating a few metres and see whether it makes a difference. Where it does not, the problem is probably nearer than you think.

It is easy to assume wasps are attracted by people, when they are really attracted by food and by the sweet smells of drinks, fruit and rubbish. Being tidy with food is the single most effective step at the table.

When does the season end?

There is no fixed date. The colony declines through the autumn, and wasp numbers drop as the weather cools. A mild autumn can leave wasps about for longer.

A nest that is quiet does not necessarily mean it is empty, so keep away from it until you are sure. If it is in a spot you use, treatment is still possible and may be easier than waiting.

Cold nights in autumn gradually slow the colony. Even so, a household should treat any nest that remains active with the same respect as it would in summer, since the insects inside will defend it.

Many people also wonder whether wasps return to the same place every year. They can choose similar sheltered spots, so it makes sense to look in familiar places each spring, though there is no way to be certain.

In practice, many households find the first quiet week of autumn a relief, but it is wise not to relax too soon. Walk round the property once more and check that nothing has been missed before you put the garden furniture away.

When is the best time to act?

As soon as you know there is a nest. Early on it is small, but even in August treatment is straightforward for a technician. The fixed price does not depend on how big the nest is, so there is no financial reason to wait.

The only thing that can affect the price is a hard-to-reach location needing special access equipment. You will be told before the visit, and nothing is done without your say-so.

Until the technician comes, keep children and pets away from the nest, avoid blocking or spraying it, and note where it is and how high.

People who rent or look after a property for someone else should check who arranges treatment, as that depends on the tenancy agreement or arrangement. In the meantime, keep everyone away and note the location.

Cost is another frequent question. The price is a fixed amount for each nest, confirmed on the phone, rather than a figure that grows with the size of the problem.

Who treats the nest, and how do I book?

The Wasp Exterminator treats wasp nests for homes and businesses, with fully insured and qualified technicians. The charge is a fixed £70 per nest, with another nest at the same property at £25 extra, and no call-out charge.

The service is open seven days a week, with same-day visits offered. The technician covers Little Owston and the surrounding villages. Ring 07798 792 774 or use the booking form or contact page.

If anyone is stung, wash the area, remove the sting if visible and use a cold pack. For swelling of the face, lips or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness or a widespread rash, dial 999 at once.

The technician covers Little Owston and the surrounding villages, so there is no need to wonder whether you are within range. Describe where the nest is, and the booking can be arranged from there.

A last common question is what happens on the day. A technician arrives, confirms where the nest is, carries out the treatment, and tells you what to expect afterwards. If you would like the empty nest taken down, ask when you book.

Frequently asked questions

More wasp advice for Little Owston