When Is Wasp Season in Kempston?
Plenty of wasp advice is half right. This guide tests six popular beliefs against how the wasp year works, so you know what to trust.
Why myths stick
Wasps are noticeable for a few months and then seem to vanish, so everybody has a theory about what happens in between. Some are harmless. Others lead to the wrong decision, such as leaving a nest to grow or blocking a hole at the wrong moment.
Here is what is reliably known. Queens start nests from early April, depending on the weather. Colonies grow through summer, peak in August and then decline. That is the framework for the myths below, which come up for householders in Kempston and everywhere else.
It is better to know what is true than to follow a tip that sounds plausible. The following sections take each belief in turn.
Most myths grow from a half-truth, so it is worth explaining what is right as well as what is wrong in each case.
Myth: wasps all die in winter, so they come back as the same nest
Most of the colony dies, including the old queen. The new queens that mated in autumn are the only survivors, and each sheltering alone. In spring, a queen starts a new nest from scratch. An old nest is not reoccupied, though a queen may well choose the same sort of spot.
The idea that one nest lasts for years probably comes from the fact that wasps appear in the same place each summer. That is because the spot is good, not because the nest has survived. A south-facing eave or a quiet shed corner is attractive to a new queen every spring.
If you want to reduce the chance of a repeat, block old entry points in winter, once you are sure the nest is empty.
Likewise, the belief that a cold snap in spring will finish off wasps for the year is not dependable. A queen can already be sheltered in a wall, and the colony inside will carry on.
Myth: a small nest is harmless
A small nest in April is, in effect, a new colony. It will not stay small. By August it could hold up to 2,000 wasps. The earlier you act, the easier it is, but even a small nest can sting if it is disturbed.
Myth: if I block the hole, they will go away.
It does not work that way. Wasps trapped inside can chew through plaster, find other gaps or come out in the house. Leave entrances alone.
Wasps that are sealed in become agitated and may find another route, sometimes into the living space. This is particularly common with gaps around loft hatches, vents and cables. Blocking the exit also stops you from seeing how active the nest is, which is useful information.
A small nest still has a queen who will defend it.
Honest answers are better than tidy ones, so if you are unsure whether you have wasps, hornets or bees, say that when you ring and describe the insects rather than guessing.
Myth: wasps only sting if you provoke them
Mostly true, but provocation can be unintentional. Vibration from a mower, a ladder against the wall, or a swatting hand can all be read as a threat. Late in the season, hungry wasps are also more irritable, which is why distance and calm matter more than blame.
The same applies to the myth that sprays from the supermarket are enough. Fumes, mess and a nest that is only partly dealt with can leave a colony angry and in the building. Professional treatment, with a technician who is fully insured and qualified, is safer.
Another common myth is that wasps are only a summer problem. A few stragglers may be seen into autumn, but the main risk is from early April to the end of the season.
You may also hear that wasps will not sting if you stay still. It helps, but it is not a guarantee, and moving away slowly is often better than freezing next to a nest.
Myth: all stripy insects are wasps
They are not. Honeybees and bumblebees are different insects and are often protected for good reason. This business treats wasps, not bees or hornets. If you have bees, contact a local beekeeper or the relevant bee organisation.
If you are unsure which insect you have, describe it when you ring and the technician can talk it through.
Many people also believe that wasps have no use. In fact they feed on other insects and play a role in the garden, but a nest on your house, near a door or in a play area is still a problem to be dealt with.
This business treats wasps only. For honeybees or bumblebees, you should contact a local beekeeper or the relevant bee organisation without disturbing them.
One more belief is that a paper nest on its own means wasps are present. A grey papery structure can be old and empty, so look from a distance to see if anything is flying in and out.
What to do instead of relying on a myth
Watch for a pattern of wasps entering one place. Keep away, keep children and pets back and book a treatment. Phone 07852 111 437 or use the online form. Price is £70 per nest, £30 for an additional nest, and no call-out charge, confirmed on the phone first.
Describe what you see when you book, including the position and how many wasps you notice. The price is confirmed over the phone before any visit and no work is done without your agreement.
A call is also a chance to ask the questions that the myths leave unanswered, such as what happens to the nest afterwards or whether the empty nest can be taken down.
Wasps on your property in Kempston?
Fixed price £70 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.