Wasps and Hornets

Wasps and Hornets

Wasps and hornets are among the most frequently encountered pest problems in the UK, particularly during the late summer months when colonies reach their peak size and workers become increasingly aggressive. Whilst they play a role in the natural ecosystem, a nest close to or within a property represents a significant risk and should be treated promptly by a professional.

The Wasp Season

Understanding the wasp lifecycle helps explain why problems tend to escalate so quickly:

• Spring — queen wasps emerge from hibernation and begin building a new nest, initially no larger than a golf ball, housing a small founding colony
• Summer — the colony grows rapidly; by midsummer a mature nest can contain anywhere between 3,000 and 8,000 workers
• Late summer and autumn — this is when wasps become most problematic; as the colony begins to break down and food sources diminish, workers become irritable, unpredictable, and far more likely to sting without provocation
• Winter — colonies die off completely; only newly mated queens survive to hibernate and start the cycle again the following spring

An untreated nest will not simply go away quietly — it will grow throughout the summer, increasing the risk with every passing week.

Common Species in the UK

Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and German Wasp (Vespula germanica)

These two species are responsible for the vast majority of wasp-related pest call-outs in the UK and are largely indistinguishable to the untrained eye. They nest in a wide variety of locations including:

• Roof spaces and loft insulation
• Wall cavities
• Garden sheds and outbuildings
• Underground in lawns and banks
• Air bricks and weep holes

European Hornet (Vespa crabro)

The European hornet is the UK's only true hornet species and is significantly larger than a common wasp — queens can reach 35mm in length. Despite their intimidating appearance, hornets are generally less aggressive than wasps when undisturbed. However, a nest near a property still warrants professional attention:

• Hornets are protective of their nest and will sting repeatedly if they feel threatened
• They are attracted to light in the evening, which can bring them into conflict with households
• Nests are typically found in hollow trees, roof spaces, wall cavities, and outbuildings
• Their sting delivers more venom than a wasp sting and can be particularly severe

It is worth noting that the European hornet is a protected species in some European countries, though it has no protected status in the UK and can be treated where it presents a risk.

Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina)

The Asian hornet is an invasive species that has been spreading across Europe and has been detected in the UK in increasing numbers in recent years. It poses a serious threat to honey bee populations and is a notifiable species — any suspected sighting must be reported to the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat via the Asian Hornet Watch app or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Key identifying features of the Asian hornet:

• Predominantly dark brown or black body
• Yellow-tipped legs
• A single broad orange-yellow band on the abdomen
• Slightly smaller than the European hornet

If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet, do not attempt to treat the nest yourself — contact PCM Pest Control for advice and ensure you report the sighting through the official channels.

The Risks of a Wasp or Hornet Nest

Stings and Anaphylaxis

A wasp or hornet can sting multiple times, unlike a honey bee which stings only once. In close proximity to a nest, multiple stings are common, which increases the risk even for those without a known allergy.

For individuals who are allergic, a single sting can trigger anaphylactic shock — a severe, life-threatening reaction requiring immediate emergency medical treatment. It is estimated that around 5% of the population has some degree of allergy to wasp venom, and reactions can develop in people with no previous history of allergy.

Property Damage

Wasps nesting within roof spaces or wall cavities can cause damage to insulation, plasterboard, and timberwork. In some cases, expanding nests have been known to break through interior ceilings.

Why You Should Not Treat a Nest Yourself

It is strongly inadvisable to attempt to treat a wasp or hornet nest without professional equipment and experience:

• Disturbing a nest without appropriate protection will provoke an immediate and aggressive defensive response
• Over-the-counter sprays rarely penetrate far enough into the nest to be effective
• Blocking a nest entrance without treating it first can force wasps to find an alternative exit — sometimes into the interior of a property
• Working at height to access roof or loft nests carries significant risk of injury

Our Wasp and Hornet Treatment Service

PCM Pest Control provides fast, professional wasp and hornet nest treatment across Devon. Our service includes:

• Rapid response — wasp and hornet calls are treated as a priority
• Treatment by trained, fully equipped technicians
• Insecticidal treatment applied directly to the nest
• Advice on proofing measures to reduce the risk of future nesting

In most cases a single treatment visit is all that is required.

📞 Call PCM Pest Control today: 07712 230411 / 01626 836126