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

Not knowing what a visit involves makes some people put off the call, so this guide walks through a roof nest treatment from the first knock on the door to the follow-up.

Before the technician arrives

Once you have booked, there is little to prepare, and what there is takes a few minutes. The aim is to leave the area around the nest clear, keep people and pets away, and make sure the technician knows where to go.

Move garden furniture, toys, bikes and washing from beneath the roof edge where the wasps are entering. Close windows and doors on that side of the house. Bring pets indoors and shut them in a room away from the nest, because a dog or cat that is stung in a panic may bolt.

If you are going to be out when the visit happens, tell the business how the technician can reach the nest and whether there is a gate or side access they should use. Mention any allergy to stings at the time of booking so that the booking can be prioritised.

It also helps to think about access. If the technician needs to come through a side gate, a garage or a back garden, make sure it is unlocked or that they know how to get in. A locked gate and an absent householder are the most common reasons for a visit taking longer than it needs to.

Meeting the technician

If you are at home, the technician will usually start by talking to you. They will ask where you have seen the wasps, how long it has been going on and whether any have come indoors. They may ask you to point out the entrance from a safe distance, which is why the earlier advice to watch the flight path from the garden is worth following.

This conversation is brief. It lets the technician confirm that what you have is a wasp nest rather than another insect, and decide on the safest approach. If you have already noticed a second entrance or heard a noise from inside the house, say so now.

Do not feel you have to be an expert. Describe what you have seen in your own words, even if you are unsure of the terms for the parts of the roof. 'Above the kitchen window, at the lowest edge' is all that is needed, and the technician will translate it into the right place.

The work itself

The technician then sets up and deals with the nest at roof level. You will not be asked to climb, hold anything or take anything down. The work is carried out by someone equipped to work at height and wearing suitable protective clothing, and the business is fully insured.

You should stay indoors, or well away from that side of the property, while this is happening. Keep children and pets inside, and resist the urge to watch from close range. A window on the opposite side of the house is a better vantage point than the garden below the nest.

This guide does not describe how the nest is treated, because that is for the technician to explain. What matters to you is that the work is aimed at the nest itself and that it is done safely.

If any wasps are disturbed during the work, they may fly around the area for a short time. That is why it is important to stay indoors and keep windows closed on that side. The technician is equipped to work in those conditions, and you do not need to worry about their safety, only your own and that of the household.

Questions worth asking on the day

When the technician has finished, take the chance to ask what you want to know. Sensible questions include:

• Whether the empty nest can be taken down.
• Whether there were any other entrances or signs of a second nest.
• What to expect over the next few days, such as the odd wasp around the area.
• Whether the roof edge shows a gap that a roofer should look at.

Do not feel awkward about asking. A technician is used to explaining things to worried householders, and you are paying for a service as well as a result.

It is also fair to ask how the technician will let you know the work is done. Most will tell you directly before they leave, and some will explain what to watch for over the next few days.

Cost and booking

A wasp nest is treated for a fixed £90 and the price graphic says 1 visit guaranteed. If a second nest turns up on the same property, that nest is charged at £35 more. The price is the same whatever the location or time of day, and it covers domestic and commercial properties.

The business takes bookings seven days a week and can offer same-day service. To arrange a visit, ring 01245 327274 or fill in the online booking form on the contact page. Technicians cover Corringham and the surrounding villages.

After the visit

Over the following days, watch the roofline from a distance. You may see a stray wasp or two returning to the spot from habit. If a steady flow continues, contact the business and say what you have seen.

Once the nest is no longer active, ask a roofer or builder to look at the gap the wasps used. Repairing it helps prevent a second colony from taking the same space. Remember that repairs belong after treatment, not before, since sealing an entrance while the nest is alive can drive wasps into the house.

If you plan to put things back under the roof edge, such as chairs or a washing line, wait until the technician confirms the area is fine to use.

If you share a roofline with a neighbour, let them know that a nest has been dealt with on your side, and ask them to tell you if they see wasps on theirs.

Frequently asked questions

More wasp advice for Corringham