EXCELLENT
When Is Wasp Season in Mexborough?
By August a wasp colony is at its largest and most defensive, so this guide explains what that means around the house and what to do about it.
Why August is different
A wasp nest that began in April as a single queen’s project is, by August, a full colony. A nest can hold as many as 2,000 wasps at this point, and everything about the season reflects that.
More wasps mean more flights to and from the nest, more insects searching for food, and more chances of an encounter near a door, window or bin. It is the month when most people first realise they have a nest, and often the month when they would prefer to have noticed it sooner.
Mexborough lies in the Don Valley west of Doncaster, and August brings the same pattern there as anywhere else.
The scale is easy to underestimate. Wasps from a single nest can range widely when foraging, which means that you may see them in the garden, the street and the neighbour’s yard without any of those being the nest itself.
It also helps to keep the picture in proportion. Having a nest does not mean the property is unsafe to live in, and most days pass without trouble. The aim is simply to keep clear of it and arrange treatment, rather than carrying on as though it were not there.
What changes around the house
People notice different things in August. Wasps appear at open windows, hover around bins and drinks cans, and start investigating the kitchen. Even if the nest is out of sight, the traffic can be heavy enough to be obvious.
- A stream of wasps passing the same point in the garden.
- Wasps at the bin store or recycling box.
- Buzzing from a wall, roof space or shed.
- Insects found indoors, particularly near windows.
Seeing several of these at once is a strong hint that a nest is close.
Evenings are often calmer, but do not take that as a sign that the nest is quiet. Wasps return to the nest as the day ends, and a large colony is still a large colony when it is dusk.
Notice, too, where the wasps appear to come from. If they arrive in a line from one side of the garden, the nest is likely in that direction. This is information to pass to the technician rather than a reason to go and look.
Why the nest is most defensive now
A larger colony has more guards, and the nest has more to protect. Wasps will sting if threatened, and they can swarm. A nest near a door or a play area is a bigger concern in August than it was in May.
This is not the time to experiment. Avoid standing near the entrance, keep sudden movements to a minimum, and do not try to knock, spray or block the nest. Anyone with a known allergy should be particularly careful, and speak to their GP about their own plans.
Because the nest is large, its entrance can be very busy at midday. Try to avoid sitting, standing or working near the flight line, even if it is some metres from the nest itself, as wasps travelling to and fro may bump into you.
Children can be reminded that wasps are more bothered by being swatted at than by being left alone. Teaching them to stay calm and walk away is far more effective than telling them to be afraid.
If the nest is above a doorway or path, tell everyone who uses it. Postal workers, delivery drivers, friends dropping round and neighbours cutting through are all at risk, and a handwritten note on the gate costs nothing.
Practical steps for the month
- Keep food and drink covered outdoors, and check cans and glasses before drinking.
- Close bins properly and rinse recycling.
- Use a different door if the nest is near an entrance.
- Tell visitors, particularly children, where to avoid.
- Take note of the nest’s position and height, then get in touch.
If someone is stung, wash the area, remove the sting if visible and use a cold pack. For swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness or a widespread rash, call 999.
A household with a regular schedule can reduce the risk further. Take washing in before the hottest part of the afternoon, schedule garden jobs for places away from the nest, and leave doors open only when they are screened or you are nearby.
For a household with a barbecue or gathering planned, August is the month to take extra care. Move the seating away from the nest’s side of the garden, put food under covers, and consider holding the event another day if the nest cannot be treated beforehand.
It is not too late to act
Some people feel that August is too late and that they should now just put up with the wasps. That is not the case. A technician can treat a nest at its peak, and the same fixed price applies. The Wasp Exterminator charges £70 per nest, with an additional nest at the same property at £25 extra, and no call-out fee.
Same-day service is offered, seven days a week, to domestic and commercial customers. The price is confirmed on the phone before the visit and might be more where special access equipment is needed to reach the nest. Nothing happens without your agreement.
If the nest is in a spot that needs special access equipment, mention that early. The price is confirmed on the phone before the visit, and it is better to hear any difference in advance than to be surprised on the day.
How to book
Ring 07798 792 774 or use the online booking form. The technician covering your area is alerted by text and email. Technicians are fully insured and qualified, and the aim is a safe and effective visit that leaves the property quiet again.
Many people find that once treatment has been booked, the remaining days of waiting are far easier. The nest is a known quantity, a time has been set and everyone knows what to avoid.
Wasps on your property in Mexborough?
Fixed price £70 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.