Wasp Nests Under Roof Tiles – A Common Problem for Bobbingworth Homes

Pets rarely understand a wasp nest is dangerous, and a few simple habits keep them clear while you wait for the technician.

Why animals are at risk

A dog sees a buzzing insect and wants to chase it. A cat sits in a sunny spot beneath the eaves and sees nothing wrong. Neither understands that a few feet above them is a colony of thousands, ready to defend itself.

Pets also tend to be near the places where nests appear: the back door, the garden wall, the shed. They are low to the ground, and they spend more time outdoors than we do, which means they are more likely to wander into a flight path.

Pets can sometimes sense trouble before we do. A dog that keeps staring at the same patch of wall, or a cat that avoids a favourite spot, may be telling you something is going on. It is worth looking at the roof edge in that case.

It is a good idea to tell any dog walker, neighbour or pet sitter who calls at the house about the nest, so that nobody leads an animal under it.

Practical steps at home

For the short time between spotting the nest and the visit, a few simple changes make a difference.

• Keep dogs on a lead in the garden, and walk them away from the nest.
• Keep cats indoors during the day, when the wasps are busiest.
• Move outdoor beds, bowls and kennels away from the house wall.
• Use a different door for letting animals in and out.
• Bring in small pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs if their hutch is near the nest.

Feeding pets outdoors can attract wasps, so bring food bowls inside as soon as the animal has finished.

If you have a dog that digs or sniffs around the house wall, give it something else to do on the other side of the garden. A favourite toy or a game of fetch away from the nest is enough to redirect its attention.

Think about the places pets normally rest. A dog bed in a warm porch, a cat's favourite window ledge or a hutch under the eaves may all be right in the flight path. Move them temporarily to somewhere well away from the entrance.

Check the garden for anything that smells sweet, such as a dropped ice cream or spilt drink on the patio. Such things draw wasps and animals alike, and clearing them removes a reason for either to linger by the nest.

Spotting a sting

A pet that has been stung may yelp, paw at its face or mouth, lick the area or become restless. Swelling around the muzzle or paw is common. Animals that have been stung in the mouth or throat can have difficulty breathing, which is urgent.

If your pet seems to be in distress, contact a vet straight away. Do not try to give medicine of your own. A vet can tell you what to do and whether the animal needs to be seen.

Wasp stings on pets can look worse than they are, with swelling that goes down over a day or so, but any difficulty breathing, collapse or repeated vomiting needs a vet at once. If you are in any doubt, phone your vet and describe what happened.

If you keep horses, poultry or other larger animals, make sure their paddock, run or stable is not directly beneath the nest, and tell the business about it when you book. Animals can react unpredictably when wasps are around.

Calming a worried animal

Some dogs become anxious when they sense a lot of insects. Stay calm yourself, give them a quiet room away from the nest and keep windows closed. Draw the curtains, play some music and make a fuss of them if it helps.

Do not allow a pet to chase wasps indoors. A wasp that has been grabbed will sting, and it can end badly for the animal and the household.

Elderly or nervous animals may be more upset by activity around the house than younger ones. Keep their routine as normal as possible and provide a quiet, familiar space.

Never put your own safety at risk to rescue an animal. If a pet is stuck near the nest, call the business and explain, or call your vet for advice.

Booking

The cost of dealing with a nest is a set £90 including one visit guaranteed. For another nest at the same property, it is £35 on top. The price applies to homes and businesses.

The business operates seven days a week and offers same-day service, and the work is fully insured. Arrange a visit on 01245 327274 or send an online booking from the contact page. Technicians cover Bobbingworth and the surrounding villages. Tell the business if you have a pet that needs to be shut in on the day, as well as any allergy to stings in the household.

You can say on the phone where the animals are normally kept so that the technician knows about them before arriving.

Having the animals secured before the technician arrives allows them to get on with the job without interruption.

After treatment

Once the nest is no longer active, wait for the technician to confirm it is fine before letting pets out into the garden. A stray wasp may still be about, and pets can get stung by a dying wasp.

Check the garden for dead wasps before letting a curious dog loose. Pick them up with a tissue and dispose of them. A last look at the roof edge in the days afterwards tells you whether everything is quiet.

Finally, keep an eye on your pets over the next day or two. If they seem unwell, quiet or are swelling, speak to your vet.

Frequently asked questions

More wasp advice for Bobbingworth