Wasps

Wasps are not noticeably active until around late June. Queens can be seen from April onwards, but have not yet started building their nests. 

Nests come in many different shapes and sizes. If you see a large number of wasps in and around your home, there's probably a nest nearby - and they often come back to the same place each year.

Wasps are longer and more slender than bees, with smooth striped bodies. They are aggressive in behaviour and territorial.

How to tell if wasps are present

Wasps are likely to make their nests in sheltered spots such as:

• Under trees
• In bushes
• Under eaves
• In your shed or garage

• To find the wasps' nest, you can follow worker wasps (females) back to their nest.
• In early spring, a nest might be the size of a golf ball - this means it is likely to contain the solitary queen and a few workers.
• In summer, a nest can contain thousands of wasps and, if left to grow, get to the size of a large ball.

Preventing wasp infestation

• Don't leave food out - cleaning up is essential to stop wasps from nesting.
• Clean up spills, particularly sugary drinks.
• Make sure rubbish is stored in your wheeled bin with lids closed. 
• Clean bins regularly to remove sticky residues and smells.
• Seal any cracks or openings on the exterior of your home to stop pests getting inside.
• Using wasp repellent spray outside your home can stop them from nesting.