Found a Wasp Nest in Your Loft in Colchester? Here's What to Do

The grey papery nest left in the roof after treatment raises a fair question, and the most useful answer is to ask when you book.

What you are left with

A wasp nest is a remarkable structure: layers of thin grey paper, made by chewing wood fibre and shaping it into combs and a covering shell. In a loft it may be the size of a football or larger by the end of summer. When the colony is treated, the wasps stop working, but the paper is still there.

For most householders, that raises an immediate question. Do I have to get rid of it? Is it safe to leave? Does it matter if I do nothing? The honest answer is that it depends on what you want from the loft, and that you should discuss it when you book.

Each nest is slightly different. Some are round and tucked into a corner, others spread out along a rafter or sit on top of the insulation, and all of them have a single entrance hole near the bottom. A nest in a wall cavity or eave may not be visible at all, and in that case there is little question of removal.

Asking when you book

We cannot say for certain what the technician will be able to do on any particular day, because it depends on where the nest is and how it can be reached. What we can say is that customers can ask the technician at the time of booking whether the empty nest can be taken down. If that is important to you, raise it when you ring or complete the booking form, not on the doorstep.

It also helps to tell them roughly where the nest is, if you know, and whether the loft is boarded, cluttered or empty. That gives an early idea of whether removal is realistic.

Do not worry if you cannot answer these questions in detail. The technician will assess the situation on the day, and you can discuss the options when they arrive. Having thought about it in advance simply means you can make a decision without feeling rushed.

Think about your reasons. Some people want the nest gone because it worries them, others because the loft is going to be insulated or converted, and others simply because they do not like the idea of an old nest overhead. Tell the business which applies to you.

If the nest stays where it is

An empty nest left in the roof is mostly harmless. It is light, dry and brittle, and it does not give off the activity that made it a problem. It may attract other insects over time, or crumble slowly into fragments on the insulation.

• Do not poke it or knock it, even if it looks dead.
• Wait a good while, for example until the cold weather, before going near it.
• When you do, wear closed shoes and long sleeves, and put it in a bag.
• Treat any wasps you find nearby with caution.

If you plan to add insulation, convert the space or store things there, removing the nest first is sensible.

One advantage of leaving it for a while is that any wasps still moving in or near the nest will be gone by the time the weather turns cold. The paper becomes lighter and more brittle, and is easier to handle and bag.

If you see wasps in the loft weeks later, do not assume they belong to the old nest. A new colony may have started. Contact the business if you are in any doubt.

If it is taken down

When a technician removes the nest, it is normally bagged and taken away. The area where it was fixed may show a pale mark, or a small amount of paper stuck to a rafter. Leave it; it will do no harm. If you notice damage to the ceiling or the timber, take a photograph, and speak to a builder.

Keep in mind that removing the nest does not stop wasps from returning. A new colony can still start in the same area next spring. The most effective protection is a repair to the gap that let them in.

Ask what the technician found when they dealt with the nest. Was it large or small? How many entrances did it have? Was there a second one? That information helps you to judge how seriously to take repairs and how closely to watch for activity next season.

Whether the nest is removed or not, the entrance hole remains a weak point in the building. Photograph it from the garden if you can see it, and keep a record for the builder.

Common worries

Some people ask whether an empty nest will attract new wasps. As far as we know, wasps do not normally reuse old nests, and the best course is to repair the roof gap. Others ask whether it could cause damp. A dry, empty nest is unlikely to, though a nest that has been in contact with the ceiling for a long time may leave a stain.

If you are unsure, ask the technician when they visit. They can tell you what they see and whether any further action seems sensible.

There is a common idea that nests must be destroyed completely or the wasps will come back. In practice, the colony dies when it is treated, and the old paper has no further role. What matters for next year is whether the entrance is still open.

Some people like to keep a small piece of nest paper as a curiosity, but this is best done only when the technician has handed it over, and not by taking it from the loft yourself.

Booking

Wasp Nest Removal Essex is open seven days a week with same-day service offered, covering Colchester and surrounding villages, for homes and commercial premises. Each nest is treated for a fixed £90 in all, and the price graphic promises one visit guaranteed. A second nest on the same property is £35 for the additional nest.

Call 01245 327274 or book through the form on the contact page. Mention the question of the empty nest, and tell the business if anyone at home is allergic to stings so that the booking can be prioritised.

When the visit is over, keep the hatch closed and clear any dead wasps from the floors and sills, wearing shoes. Wait a few days before going into the loft, and if you do, take care to look before you step.

Frequently asked questions

More wasp advice for Colchester