A nest in a large villa roof can go unnoticed until late summer. Here is how to judge whether a Mapperley wasp nest needs treating now or can wait.
A queen wakes in spring and builds a small nest. Workers take over and the colony grows through the summer, peaking in late summer. In autumn the colony breaks down and in winter the workers and the nest die. Only young queens survive, tucked away to start again in spring. Nests are never reused, which matters if you are asking whether to treat or wait.
Mapperley is a hilltop suburb north-east of the centre, with Victorian villas in Mapperley Park and later inter-war and post-war housing. Larger villas have big roof spaces, chimney stacks, bay windows and cellars, which provide many sheltered cavities. Later houses have soffits, airbricks and garages where nests can develop. In a big house you may not see wasps entering until the colony is large.
Nests are also found in sheds, under decking and in the ground. Hedges and trees are common in the area, and they offer extra nesting sites.
We treat wasp nests for a fixed cost of £90, with a same day response seven days a week. If the nest is still active within 30 days, we return. The technician will check the location, explain how they will reach it and carry out the treatment. In large roof spaces they will ask about safe access before starting.
After treatment, some wasps will be seen for a short time. Leave the entrance open until you see no further movement, then ask us about closing the hole.
Disturbing a nest with sprays, smoke or by blocking a hole puts you at risk of stings and can drive wasps into the house. A ladder makes it worse. A professional has the equipment and the training to treat from a safe distance.
If you plan to treat the nest yourself with a shop product, think about the position first. Roof spaces, chimney stacks and wall cavities are difficult and risky places to work. A fall from a ladder is a bigger danger than a wasp sting for many people. When in doubt, wait for a professional and keep doors and windows near the nest shut.
Keep a record of the date you first saw wasps, as it helps judge how large the colony has grown.
Call 0115 937 5117 and we will tell you whether your nest needs treating now.
Wasps do not damage brick, but a nest can block a flue or cause staining, and wasps may enter the room. Have the nest treated before using a fire, and the flue checked afterwards.
Not always. It depends on where the nest is. Tell us when you call and the technician will confirm whether access is needed, so you know before they arrive.
Tell us what you have seen and where, and we will come back to you. Prices are fixed and there is no call-out charge.
