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

When two homes share a roof, a nest may be on one side while the wasps appear on the other, so working out whose roof it is comes first.

When the roof joins two homes

Some roofs run unbroken across two or more homes. The tiles above your bedroom continue over your neighbour's, and the gap beneath the eaves does not stop at the boundary. A wasp nest can therefore be on their side while the wasps appear on yours, or the other way round. Neither of you may be sure whose problem it is.

This is a practical question rather than a legal one. A nest is a hazard to both households, and wasps do not respect property lines. The sensible approach is to talk, agree what has been seen and book a treatment promptly.

Households in this position often find that one side noticed first. Perhaps you saw a wasp in the back bedroom on Tuesday and the neighbours reported one on their landing on Thursday. Comparing dates like these helps to confirm that you are both dealing with the same nest.

Because the wasps are on the move, the most helpful question is not whose side the nest is on, but where the entrance is. A technician can deal with the nest from the most convenient point, with the cooperation of both households.

Working out where the entrance is

Start from the ground, at a safe distance. Stand where you can see both properties' roof edges and watch for the flight line. Note whether the wasps go in above your house, above the neighbour's or right on the line between them.

If you can see the entrance clearly, say which house is closer to it. If you cannot tell, say that too. Do not go next door and ask to look from their upstairs window, or lean out of yours. Both leave you exposed. A good description from two vantage points is worth more than a close look from one.

Remember that wasps flying low across a garden may not be heading for the nearest roof. A flight line can run along the length of a terrace before the wasps turn in. Watch for several minutes and look for the point where they actually vanish, rather than where they first appear.

Take notes if you can, and share them with the neighbour. A line such as 'about two tiles in from the party wall, just under the lowest row' gives everyone the same picture.

Speaking to the neighbour

A friendly conversation does more than a note through the door. Explain what you have seen, where and when, and suggest that you both keep clear of that wall. Ask whether they have noticed wasps indoors, because the first signs may be on their side.

• Agree who will phone to book, or whether you will share the arrangements.
• Agree how access will be provided, since the technician may need to reach more than one garden.
• Agree what to do about the cost. This guide cannot advise on who should pay, and it is a matter between you.
• Make sure both households know about allergies in either home.

If the neighbour is away, leave a note and say that you are arranging treatment. Wasps do not wait for holidays to end.

If the conversation is awkward, keep it factual. Say that you have seen wasps, that you are worried about stings and that you would like to get the nest treated before it grows. Most neighbours would rather know than find out the hard way.

Why not to seal the gap

When two households share a gap, one neighbour sealing their side can send the wasps through to the other, or into the shared roof void. Both households can then find wasps indoors where there were none before.

Leave the entrance as it is, keep away, and let the technician deal with it. After the nest is no longer active, it is sensible to ask a roofer to look at both sides of the shared roof so that any gap is closed properly and at the same time.

A particular risk on a shared roof is the roof void that runs over both properties. Wasps blocked at one end can travel along it and emerge in a room belonging to either household. This is why it is better to leave the entrance open until the nest is treated.

Another risk is that one household decides to wait while the other acts. Wasps in the shared void will not wait, and they may start appearing indoors on the side that did nothing.

Booking for both homes

A wasp nest is treated for a fixed £90 which includes one visit guaranteed. If a second nest turns up on the same property, add £35 in addition. Cover is seven days a week, with a same-day option, and the work is fully insured for domestic and commercial customers.

Call 01245 327274 or use the booking form you will find on the contact page. A technician covers Romford and nearby areas. When you ring, say that the roof is shared, which side the wasps seem to use and whether the neighbour knows. If the nest turns out to affect both properties, ask how the visit will be arranged.

Having the neighbour's contact details to hand when you ring is useful, in case the technician needs to arrange access to their side.

Afterwards, together

Once the nest has been treated, compare notes with your neighbour over the following days. A wasp or two near the entrance is normal, but a steady stream means you should ring the business again.

Ask the technician at the visit if the empty nest can come down. It is also worth asking your neighbour to tell you if they plan any roof repairs, so that work on one side does not leave the other exposed. A little cooperation now makes next summer easier for both of you.

Pass on the technician's advice about the empty nest, and about any other entrances. It may be useful to your neighbour when they plan any repairs.

Frequently asked questions

More wasp advice for Romford