Gardeners are being told to remain vigilant this month and next over an ‘aggressive’ insect found hiding inside garden sheds.
Experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have issued a warning to gardeners because it’s the peak season for wasps to build nests inside sheds right now – and they told people never to risk trying to remove them yourself. They said: “With wasp season underway, homeowners are being warned to watch out for nests in sheds and summer houses.
“Quiet and dry areas make the perfect nesting spot for queen wasps emerging from hibernation in spring and garden sheds and summer houses are prime real estate. But while wasps are important for the ecosystem, having a nest in your garden building can be an annoyance, and even dangerous if anyone in the home is allergic to stings.”
“Quiet, sheltered spaces like sheds and summer houses are particularly attractive to queen wasps in spring, but it’s important not to panic.
“Wasps can become aggressive when disturbed so it’s best to avoid any risks and call in the professionals.
“The worst thing you can do is panic or try to swat at the wasps. Any disturbance can make wasps aggressive. Instead, stay calm and keep children and pets well away from the area.”
They added that any attempt to interfere with a fully sized nest could end very badly – and you may need to call in professionals.
They continued: “If there’s a lot of activity or the nest is large then it won’t be safe to remove it yourself, and you should contact a professional pest control service. A fully developed colony can contain hundreds of aggressive wasps that will defend their nest if they feel threatened. Any attempt to disturb the nest could result in multiple stings.
“Once the nest has been safely removed, take steps to stop wasps from returning. This means sealing up any cracks, holes or gaps in your shed or summer house that could provide access. If your outbuilding has any vents or small openings for airflow, consider covering them with a fine mesh to stop wasps from getting back inside.”
Of course, although nobody wants a huge wasp nest in their shed or garage, they are key pollinators, and gardeners are also being urged to consider if they can live with them or get them moved without killing them.
The Exterminator Pest Control, surprisingly, urges customers to consider leaving them be.
It says: “This time of year can be a tricky one when it comes to household pests, particularly wasps, bees and other bitey bugs. After all, no one wants to be stung or bitten and, in fact, stings can be life threatening if you are allergic and have a bad reaction, which is why our first instinct is to swat and squish them when they make their presence felt.
“However, it might be better to find a different way of dealing with insects like wasps, bees, hornets, flies and so on, as you could be doing the environment more harm than good if you do go for the kill each time.
“We all know how important bees are for the ecosystem – and, indeed, for the very survival of mankind! – but wasps and other insects are just as important and need to be treated with similar respect… even if they don’t look quite as fluffy and friendly as the pretty little bumblebee.
“Research from Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife has just revealed that the number of flying insects in the county has fallen by more than 70 per cent in the last 17 years, indicative of a worrying nationwide trend and highlighting the need to prioritise insect conservation.
“Wasps are actually just as important for the environment as bees are, helping to control pest populations for the likes of caterpillars, greenfly and many others.
“They’re also becoming recognised more and more for the value they hold as pollinators, as well, allowing plants to fruit, set seed and breed. This then helps provide food sources and habitats for other wildlife, so it’s a win-win for all!
“So, with all this in mind, next time you see a wasp at home, perhaps usher it out of the house if you can, rather than reaching for the swatter. And, of course, if you have a real infestation, never try to deal with it yourself. Instead, give us a call immediately to discuss pest control and wasp nest removal.”