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

The summer holidays put children in the garden just as roof nests peak, so a calm plan for the family matters as much as the treatment itself.

A busy house meets a busy nest

The school holidays are when children spend most time in the garden, and they coincide with the weeks when wasp colonies are growing fastest. By August a roof nest can hold thousands of wasps, and the house is full of children who want to play outdoors.

That does not call for alarm. It calls for a plan, agreed with the family, that keeps everyone safe until the nest is treated.

Parents often tell us that the hardest part is the unpredictability. A child can be in the house one minute and halfway across the garden the next. That is why the rules need to be simple and the plan has to cover the whole day.

Explaining it to children

Children cope well with clear, calm rules. Tell them there are wasps living in the roof, that the wasps are busy and not looking for a fight, and that everyone must keep away from that wall until a grown-up has had it sorted out.

• Show them the area to avoid from a distance, not close up.
• Give a simple rule: no running, no swatting, no throwing things near the wall.
• Tell them to stay still or walk away calmly if a wasp lands on them.
• Make sure they know to tell an adult at once if they are stung.

Do not frighten them. A child who is scared of every insect is harder to look after than one who understands the rule.

It helps to make it a shared effort. Let older children help by pointing out where wasps go, from the safety of a window, and giving them the job of reminding younger ones. A sense of responsibility can reduce risk-taking.

Younger children respond well to a game: 'the wall is lava' works surprisingly well, and gives them a way to remember the boundary. Older children need a plain explanation and the reason for it.

Rearranging the day

Move play away from the wall. Paddling pools, trampolines, swing sets and bikes belong at the far end of the garden. If the garden is small, consider a park or a friend's house for the days before the visit.

Meals and snacks should be eaten indoors or well away from the nest. Sticky hands, juice and ice lollies draw wasps, and a child with a sweet drink is the most likely person to be stung.

If there are other families around, such as neighbours' children popping over to play, let their parents know about the nest. A friendly note or a quick word is all it takes.

Water and shade are important in hot weather, and with the garden out of bounds partly, the cool corner may be the one nearest the nest. Move the paddling pool, the sunshade and the drinks table before you need them.

If a child is stung

Move the child indoors and away from the nest. Wash the sting, remove the sting if you can see it and hold a cold pack against the skin. Stay with the child and watch them for a while.

Call 999 straight away if there is swelling of the face, lips or throat, a wheeze or difficulty breathing, dizziness or a widespread rash. If a child is known to be allergic, speak to your GP about their care, and tell the business when you book.

Afterwards, children may be nervous. Reassure them that the wasps have gone, that the grown-ups dealt with it and that it is safe to play. Avoid making them fearful of every wasp they meet.

Keep a look-out for stings you did not see. A child who suddenly cries and clutches a hand or foot may have been stung without anyone noticing the wasp. Check the area, and apply the usual first aid.

Keep the stung child close for the rest of the afternoon, and let them rest. Most children are back to normal within the hour.

Booking

The fixed price for treating one nest is £90 with a single visit guaranteed. Should you find another nest at the same address, the additional nest is £35 extra. You can book any day of the week, with same-day service on request, and the work is fully insured for domestic and commercial customers.

Bookings are taken on 01245 327274 or fill in the form on the contact page. A technician covers Stebbing and nearby villages. Say that the family has children at home, and which part of the garden is closest to the nest.

Mention the best time for the visit if there is a time when the children are out, though the business cannot promise specific times.

You can say on the phone when the children are home and when they are out, and the technician will be told.

Keeping routines going afterwards

After treatment, wait for the technician to say it is safe before letting the children back into the area. A few stray wasps may linger, so check the garden before play resumes.

Ask whether the empty nest can be taken down, and have a roofer look at any gaps. Children are curious, and an empty nest on the ground is not a toy, so keep it out of reach.

Then let them back out. A summer holiday with a quiet roof is exactly what you were hoping for.

Keep an eye on the nest area during the rest of the holiday, just in case wasps reappear.

If the nest was a worry for the whole family, a short chat about what happened and how it was solved helps everyone feel settled, and the children learn a sensible lesson about staying calm around wasps.

Frequently asked questions

More wasp advice for Stebbing