Wasps

There are approx. six species of Social wasps in Ireland. The most common of these is the Vespula vulgaris.

Wasps in and around your home can be a real nuisance and even dangerous to people who are allergic to wasp stings.

If you are experiencing high numbers of wasps in your home or garden, it is likely that there is a wasp nest nearby.

The most effective way to get rid of wasps is to remove the main cause of the problem – the wasp nest.

How To Prevent Wasps

There is some proofing that could be done on your home, to try to prevent wasps and the establishment of a nest.

• Block all gaps and openings into roof spaces.
• Use weep hole fittings to prevent wasps building nests in cavity walls.

Wasps in Your Home

When we talk about wasps generally, we are mostly referring to members of the Vespidae family, usually the Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris).

These wasps belong to a much larger colony, numbering thousands of wasps. The wasp nest is at the centre of the colony, presided by one fertile queen wasp, several infertile females, and mostly males.

Hornets and Wasps

There are no hornets in Ireland. Hornets are found in mainland Europe and the United States.

However, there are wasps, like the Ichneumon wasp (Ichneumons), which some mistake for hornets. They have a striking abdomen, which leads people to think that they are aggressive, but they do not sting and are not regarded as a pest in Ireland.

How to Manage Wasps

The best way to manage wasps is to identify the location of the nest and to try to avoid disturbing the nest area if possible.

• Avoid wearing bright coloured clothing
• Don’t wear strong perfumes / deodorants
• Remain calm – if there is a wasp near you, don’t make too many sudden movements as they do not need much provocation to sting
• Use insect repellents – these can help to manage wasps flying around your home, but will not be useful to get rid of the nest.

If the wasps from the nest cause problems and stress to your family, you should arrange to have the nest treated by a professional pest control company.

Call Rentokil Ireland on 1890 666 444 for further advice on wasps and wasp nest treatment.