Wasp Control and Hornet Control

Don't let Wasps and Hornets ruin your party or barbeque, call Rapid Pest Control now to destroy that wasp nest and where ever possible perform a complete wasp nest removal service. If you have trouble locating the wasp or hornet nest, simply call Newbury (01635) 247192 or our Emergency Number 07831 130636 or contact us via email for a Same Day Service.

• Common wasp
• European wasp
• Hornets

Common Wasp (Vespula Vulgaris)
and European Wasp (Vespula Crabo)

Description:

Both versions are very similar in colour, the distinctive yellow body with black strips. The main difference is the physical size of the wasp, the common being 11 - 20mm in length where as the European wasp being smaller overall. The other difference is that the European wasp tends to be much more aggressive when disturbed. The life cycle begins in the spring, where a hibernating queen creates a small nest in which she raises workers. These workers build the typical nest structure in which the queen lays thousands of eggs, which hatch to form other workers and hunters to gather food for the nest inhabitants. As the weather turns colder, the egg production trails off but she now produces new queens which hatch and fly off to mate and then to hibernate, ready for next year. As the first frosts bite, the workers become lethargic and eventually die.

Why Control:

Whilst wasps are not known to carry any specific diseases, they are well know for their nuisance factor, spoiling many picnics etc. Many people are allergic to the wasp venom and risk serious problems if stung. Wasps also tend to go to female due to perfumes etc and children for sweets and ice creams etc. The sting is very painful and wasps may sting the victim several times. The stinger it smooth (unlike a bee) and can be used time after time. If left untreated, a wasp nest will produce hundreds of queens which will in turn produce 1000's of wasps next year. An average wasp nest contains 3-5000 wasps.

Signs of infestation:

The most obvious sign is the number of wasps appearing. The thing to watch for is a number heading in the same direction, which normally means a nest. Wasps love sweet and aromatic foods, as they contain high levels of sugar. They also eat meat as well as the queen requires protein to maintain production of eggs. Nests can be in roof eaves, holes in the ground or "balls" hanging in hedges and shrubs. We highly recommend you DO NOT attempt to deal with these nests yourselves as wasps are highly protective and will attack in numbers if threatened.

Usual Treatment:

There are several methods employed, both chemical and non-chemical depending on each circumstance. Chemical treatments are generally administered directly into the nest and take the form of an insecticide powder delivered via a pressurised container. This dust coats the nest and wasps in the nest, but more importantly wasps entering the nest. Non-chemical treatments like wasp traps and UV electronic wasp killers can be used where chemical treatments are not viable.

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Hornets (Vespa Crabo)

Description:

Much larger than a wasp, reaching sizes up to 35mm in length. Colouring is yellow with brown strips. They have a very similar life cycle to wasps, appearing from May to November. Whilst they are seen during the day, they hunt mostly at night, often seen catching moths and other night time insects around outdoor lights etc.

Why Control:

Hornets tend to be non aggressive by nature, but once agitated are very aggressive and will attack. As they are attracted to light at night, they often get into bedrooms etc and get quite stressed as they can not usually get out. They can be very frightening to small children. A sting is acutely painful, and if the victim is allergic, will require hospital treatment.

Signs of infestation:

Hornets tend to be seen at night, usually trapped indoors having entered to get to the light. Nests tend to be in hollow trees and roof spaces. They do not produce the numbers that wasps do, so an average nest is several hundred. Mostly found in rural areas rather than towns.

Usual Treatments:

Treatments are via chemical based solutions delivered directly into the core of the nest. Hornets nests should only be treated by a professional qualified operator, like Rapid Pest Control Services.

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