Wasp Nests Under Roof Tiles – A Common Problem for Great Totham Homes

If wasps are nesting in the roof of a rented house, the first question is often who should deal with it, and this guide covers the practical steps without guessing at your agreement.

The question tenants ask first

Finding a wasp nest in the roof of a rented house raises a second worry on top of the first. The wasps are a nuisance, but so is the uncertainty over whether you should sort it out yourself or wait for someone else to do it. Neither answer is obvious, and this guide cannot give one, because it depends on the wording of your tenancy agreement and on how the property is managed.

What can be said with confidence is that a roof nest should not be left while the paperwork is checked. The colony keeps growing through the summer, and the wasps that you see now are only the visible part of a nest that can hold thousands.

Tenants are sometimes reluctant to raise the matter, worried that it will be treated as a complaint. A roof nest is not anyone's fault, and reporting it promptly is simply the responsible thing to do. Most landlords and agents would rather hear about it early than discover a larger problem later.

Read the agreement, then make contact

Start by looking at your tenancy agreement for anything on pests, repairs and maintenance, and on who to contact for urgent problems. Then get in touch with the landlord or the managing agent in writing, so that you have a record of when you reported it.

• Say where the wasps are entering, as exactly as you can from the ground.
• Say when you first noticed them and how busy the entrance looks.
• Mention anyone in the household who is allergic to stings.
• Ask who will arrange and pay for the treatment, and how quickly.

Keeping the report short and factual tends to get the quickest reply. If the agreement is unclear, a tenants' advice service can explain your position, which is better than guessing.

If you cannot reach anyone, keep trying and keep your own records. Note the dates and times of calls, and take a photograph from a safe distance if possible. It is also reasonable to explain that the wasps are a safety issue for the household, particularly if there are children, elderly relatives or anyone with an allergy at home. This does not change who is responsible, but it shows why speed matters.

Keeping the household safe meanwhile

Whoever ends up arranging the treatment, the household needs to be careful in the meantime. Keep everyone away from the wall below the entrance, close windows on that side and keep pets indoors. Do not go up a ladder or into the loft, and do not attempt to seal the gap, since blocked wasps tend to look for another route and that can be into the living space.

Rented homes often have shared access, such as a path or a front door used by more than one household. If that applies, let the other residents know to avoid the area. A quick note through their doors costs nothing and may prevent a sting.

Remind everyone in the household of the basic rules: nobody goes near the entrance, nobody swats at wasps near the roof, and nobody tries to deal with the nest. If you have visitors or deliveries, give them a warning if the nest is near a door.

Who can book, and what they will need

The booking does not need to come from a homeowner. The business takes calls from tenants, landlords and agents, provided there is somebody at the property or arrangements are made for access. When you ring, the technician will want to know the address, the position of the entrance and how to get to the site.

If the landlord or agent is arranging it, pass on the details you have gathered, and ask them to mention any allergy at home when they book so that the booking can be prioritised. Do not feel you have to wait in silence; a polite follow-up is reasonable if a few days pass.

Some landlords prefer to book the visit themselves and ask the tenant to be home. Others are happy for the tenant to arrange it and settle up afterwards. Either can work, as long as it is agreed beforehand and in writing. The business can talk you through what it needs to know to make the booking, and a quick call will tell you what is possible on the day.

What it costs and how it works

Treatment of a wasp nest is a fixed £90 per nest, with one visit guaranteed. Should there be another nest at the same address, that one is charged at £35 extra. The price does not depend on the location or the time of day, which makes it easy for a landlord, agent or tenant to approve quickly.

Wasp Nest Removal Essex is open seven days a week, offers same-day service, treats domestic and commercial properties and is fully insured. You can ring 01245 327274 or use the booking form on the contact page to get a quote. The technician covers Great Totham and the surrounding villages.

After the nest has been treated

Once the nest is no longer active, the gap that let the wasps in is worth attention. Tell the landlord or agent what you saw, because repairs to tiles, boards and roof edges are normally arranged by whoever looks after the building, and who that is depends on your agreement.

You can also ask the technician whether the empty nest can be taken down, and pass that answer on. Keep a copy of anything you sent in writing, in case the matter comes up again next summer.

It is worth keeping a note of what happened, including the date of treatment and the position of the nest. If wasps appear again the following year, you will be able to show where they were before and ask for the roof to be looked at.

Frequently asked questions

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