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

A roof nest above the patio does not have to cancel summer, but outdoor eating needs some thought while the colony is active.

Food, drink and wasps

Wasps are drawn to sugar, protein and anything sticky. On a warm afternoon, a table set for lunch on the patio is as good as an invitation, and a nest only a few metres away means the invitation reaches thousands of potential guests.

This is not a matter of cleanliness. The most careful host can find wasps landing on the fruit bowl. The point is that a roof nest puts the colony close to where people eat, and a little extra care reduces the chance of a sting.

Add to this the fact that a nest above the patio may sit directly in the flight path between the entrance and the nearest source of food. The wasps are not coming to your table out of malice; your table happens to be in the way.

Many people try to carry on as normal and hope the wasps will be bored by lunchtime. They are not. A wasp that has found a source of sugar will return again and again, and will bring friends from the nest.

Eating somewhere else

The simplest solution is to move the meal. Set the table at the far end of the garden, or indoors with the doors closed. Even twenty metres from the nest makes a visible difference to how many wasps arrive.

• Choose a spot away from the flight line, not directly below the entrance.
• Keep the table away from the house wall.
• Put bins well away, with lids firmly shut.
• Avoid hanging washing or towels near the nest.

If you do eat outside, carry food out only when you are ready, and bring plates in as soon as people have finished.

If you cannot move the table, at least place it as far from the wall as you can, and keep a lid on the bin. It is the combination of food and nearness to the nest that creates a problem.

Remember that wasps are most active when the day is warm and bright, so choose your mealtimes carefully. Early morning and late in the day are generally quieter, though that is no guarantee.

Drinks need extra care

Sweet drinks are especially attractive. A wasp can crawl into a can or a glass unnoticed, and a sting on the lip or in the mouth is dangerous. Use cups with lids or straws, check drinks before you sip, and avoid leaving open cans and bottles on the table.

Children should be taught not to swat at wasps near the table. Ask them to stay still and move away calmly. A calm adult does the same.

Be careful with ice cream, fruit juice, jam and anything with sugar. Even a smear on a child's hand attracts wasps. Wipe faces and hands promptly, and keep a damp cloth to hand.

Be mindful of fruit in bowls and plates of leftovers. A bowl of berries left unattended for ten minutes can attract a dozen wasps.

Barbecues and parties

If you are planning a barbecue or a party, think seriously about whether the nest should be dealt with first. Guests will not know about the nest, and some may be allergic. The smell of cooking draws wasps, and the more people there are, the greater the chance of a sting.

If the date is fixed, ring the business as early as you can. Same-day service is offered, but do not leave it to the last minute. Tell the business about the event, and about anyone known to be allergic, so that the booking can be prioritised.

If you must hold the event and the nest is not yet treated, move it indoors or to another place. Guests will understand, and you will avoid an uncomfortable afternoon.

Tell your guests about the nest before they arrive. A simple note that there are wasps in the roof and that the party will be at the far end of the garden prevents surprises.

Price and booking

You pay a fixed £90 for each nest and one visit is guaranteed. If the technician finds one more nest on the premises, the additional nest is £35 extra. It works seven days a week, and same-day service is available, and the work is fully insured for domestic and commercial customers.

Ring 01245 327274 or book through the contact page form. A technician covers Pebmarsh and the surrounding villages. Describe where the table and the nest are in relation to each other, so that the technician knows how you use the space.

When you ring, mention if you have a function or event planned, and the date, so that the business can understand how soon you need the work.

Back to the patio

Once the nest has been treated, wait for the technician to confirm it is safe before returning the furniture. A few stray wasps may wander the area for a day or two, so keep food covered until they have gone.

You can also ask whether the empty nest can be taken down. A roofer can deal with the gap, which reduces the chance of a new colony choosing the same place.

Then you can get back to the summer. A table in the sun, a cold drink with a lid on it and no wasps overhead is a perfectly reasonable thing to expect.

When the furniture is back, keep a lid on the bin and carry on with the good habits for the rest of the season.

Once the roof is quiet, enjoy the space. The best response to a wasp season is to deal with the nest and then carry on as normal.

Frequently asked questions

More wasp advice for Pebmarsh