When Is Wasp Season in Bocking?

Pets sniff, dig and chase, which puts them right in the path of a nest, so knowing the calendar helps owners keep animals safe.

Animals meet wasps differently

People can see a nest and stay away from it. Dogs and cats cannot. They sniff at holes, chase buzzing insects and investigate hedges, and that puts them in real danger when a nest is nearby. For pet owners in Bocking, the calendar of wasp activity matters as much as for any family member.

This guide is about prevention. For any sick or injured animal, contact a vet; nothing here replaces veterinary advice.

The aim is to avoid problems, not to worry. Most pets go through the summer with no incident, and a little forethought helps keep it that way.

Spring: keep an eye on the new places

Wasps begin building from late April, depending on the weather. At this stage a ground nest or a nest in a hedge is small and may produce only a few wasps. A curious dog can still be stung if it pushes its nose into the entrance.

When you walk the garden in spring, look at the places your pet likes to visit: the base of a hedge, the shed corner, the compost heap and any hole in the ground. If you see wasps flying in and out, keep the animal away from that spot.

Cats and dogs both follow their noses. A ground nest in a quiet bank may escape your notice, but a dog will find it straight away. If your dog suddenly shows great interest in one spot, look from a distance before letting it go closer.

Summer: the risky weeks

As the colony grows through June and July, the risk increases, and in August the nest peaks with perhaps 2,000 to 10,000 or more wasps. Dogs that dig, chase or snap at insects may disturb a nest or be stung in the mouth. Cats that explore hedges and outbuildings are at risk too.

• Keep dogs on a lead near hedges, banks and long grass if you suspect a nest.
• Discourage snapping at flying insects.
• Close off areas where wasps are active.
• Check the garden before letting pets out.

Think about the time of day. Wasps fly most in the warmest part of the day, so early morning walks and the cooler parts of the day are generally calmer. In the hottest weeks, avoid taking dogs through long grass or beside hedges in the afternoon.

Puppies and young animals are especially curious. Keep them under close supervision in the garden during the summer months.

Food bowls and water

Late in the summer wasps seem to look for sweet and protein-rich food. Pet bowls left outdoors can be a draw, and a wasp in a bowl can sting an animal that comes to eat. Feed pets indoors if wasps are about, or pick up bowls as soon as the meal is over.

Wash bowls promptly. Keep pet food in sealed containers, and put bins with scraps from the meal in a closed bin. A rabbit hutch or aviary with food inside is also worth checking for visitors.

Small pets kept outdoors, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, can be stressed by wasps near their hutches. Keep hutches away from hedges, eaves and banks, and check them regularly for nests in the roof or beneath the structure.

If your pet is stung

Stings in the mouth or throat can be serious because of swelling, and multiple stings need prompt attention. Contact your vet straight away if your pet has been stung several times, has been stung in the mouth, or seems unwell, with swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing or collapse. Waiting to see if it improves is not advisable.

If people nearby are also stung, wash the area, remove the sting if visible and use a cold pack. Call 999 for swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing, dizziness or a widespread rash.

Keep your vet's number handy during summer. Quick action helps if an animal is stung in the mouth or has multiple stings, and having the contact details at hand means you will not have to search for them in a hurry.

Walks beyond the garden matter as well. Verges, field edges and hedgerows can hold ground nests, and dogs that dash into the undergrowth are at risk. A lead in the high summer weeks is a sensible precaution.

Dealing with the nest

If you find a nest in your garden, move pets indoors and keep them away from that area. Do not try to deal with the nest yourself, since a swarm could injure both you and the animal. Book a treatment and keep the animal inside while the technician works, as it will be calmer and safer.

After treatment, wait for the technician's guidance before letting pets back out. Check the area and fill any hole once it is safe.

Once the nest is dealt with, take a careful look around the area before letting pets out. Check for any stray wasps and fill any hole that is no longer in use, if you are sure it is safe to do so.

Wasp Nest Removal Essex works to a single fixed rate of £90 per nest, and the price graphic promises one visit guaranteed, while a second nest at the same address adds £35 more. Domestic and commercial properties are both part of the work, the work is fully insured, and bookings are taken seven days a week with same-day service offered.

Dial 01245 327274 or fill in the online booking form on the contact page. At the time of booking, find out whether the technician can take the empty nest down.

Frequently asked questions

More wasp advice for Bocking