Wasp Nests Under Roof Tiles – A Common Problem for Berners Roding Homes

A roof nest above the study or front door affects the working day, the post and any callers, and a few changes keep things running.

When the office is under the nest

A home office is often in a spare room, a converted loft or a space at the back of the house. If the nest is above that part of the roof, working there becomes uncomfortable, and perhaps unsafe. You may hear the wasps, see them at the window or find one on your screen.

You do not have to put up with it. A short move to another part of the house, for a day or two, removes most of the problem.

This is more common than people think. Working from home means that a nest that would once have been noticed by one person a week is now noticed by someone present all day, and the noise or the wasps at the glass can be distracting.

If the office is in an outbuilding, the same logic applies, though the nest could be in that building's roof rather than the house. Check the roof of the outbuilding from a distance if the wasps seem to be concentrated there.

Rearranging the workspace

Take a laptop and a charger to the kitchen table or a room on the opposite side of the house. Keep the door of the original office closed, with a towel along the bottom.

• Move video calls to a room away from the nest, so a wasp does not make an appearance.
• Keep windows closed on the nest side, even if the room gets warm.
• Avoid leaving food or sweet drinks on the desk.
• Switch off lights near the window at dusk, since light draws insects.

If you must use the original room, work with the window shut and stay alert.

Make sure your equipment is safe too. Cables, chargers and papers near an open window are an invitation for a wasp to land. Keep food and drink away from the desk.

Video calls are the awkward part. A wasp that appears on camera may surprise colleagues, and a colleague who sees it may be alarmed. Sit with your back to a blank wall, away from windows.

Deliveries, post and callers

The front door is where the world meets your home, and a nest above it affects everyone who comes to it. Couriers, the postal service, clients and friends will walk right beneath the entrance without looking up.

Put a notice on the door, or at the gate, asking people to use the side or back entrance. Let regular delivery drivers know. If you expect a client, tell them in advance which way to come, or meet them elsewhere.

If parcels are left at the door, ask for them to be left in a safe place away from the wall, or collect from a depot.

If your front door is also the entrance to a business, such as a small studio or consulting room, think about how clients will approach. A sign saying 'please use the side door' is simple and works.

Keep the front gate closed and the path clear, so that the notice is seen. If a courier ignores it, a quick call to explain can prevent the next attempt. Tell family members who drop in unannounced, too, so nobody walks up to the door unaware.

Meetings at home

If you see clients or colleagues at home, think about whether to move meetings for a day or two. A guest who is stung is a worse outcome than a rescheduled appointment. If a meeting cannot move, arrange it in a part of the house away from the nest, and greet visitors at a safe distance from the entrance.

Tell anyone coming about the nest in advance, without drama. Most people respond with sympathy.

Some clients are allergic or nervous. Tell them about the nest when you confirm an appointment, and offer an alternative venue if they prefer.

If you rely on a client's goodwill, a brief explanation is enough. People understand that a wasp nest is a safety issue, and most will happily wait a day or two.

Booking

A fixed fee of £90 covers each nest treated backed by one visit guaranteed. Should a different nest be found at the same address, that nest is charged at £35 more. The service operates seven days a week, including same-day service, and the work is fully insured for domestic and commercial customers.

You can book by ringing 01245 327274 or make the booking through the form on the contact page. A technician covers Berners Roding and the surrounding villages. Say when you will be working, and which room is affected. If anyone is allergic to stings, mention it so that the booking can be prioritised.

You can tell the business which times are best, though no time can be promised.

If you work in a profession where you must be available at set times, make sure the business knows about it when you book, so you can discuss the options.

Getting back to normal

After treatment, wait for the technician to say it is safe to return to the office. Check the window and the sill for stray wasps before sitting down. Remove any dead ones carefully and dispose of them.

Ask whether the empty nest can be taken down, and have a roofer look at the roof edge. Then take down the notice on the door and tell your regular callers that the front entrance is open again.

A quiet roof means a quiet working day, which is what you wanted in the first place.

Keep a record of the dates when the nest affected your work, in case you need to explain a delay to a client.

Reinstate your normal routine gradually, and keep an eye on the office window for any wasps in the first few days.

Frequently asked questions

More wasp advice for Berners Roding