For the untrained eye, bees and wasps may just look the same. This is why most people don’t even know how to distinguish between these two stinging insects. However, knowing the difference between wasps and bees can go a long way to help experts in pest control Dublin deal with them properly and effectively.

Wasps and bees are often feared and dreaded for their painful stings, but believe it or not, these insects are separated by an evolution of 130 million years, resulting in major differences in their anatomy, nest structure, and behaviour.

While bees have an important role to play in the life cycle of most plants, wasps don’t pollinate and may even be a nuisance to humans.

The following are the three primary methods you can use to help you distinguish wasps and bees from each other.

Anatomy

Bees, including honeybees and bumblebees, are fuzzy. Wasps, on the other hand, are noticeably smooth. Wasps can also be black and yellow, or completely black. Meanwhile, bees have two colours with stripes on their abdomen.

With yellow jacket wasps as the only exception, most wasps are bigger compared to honeybees. Their legs are also longer, and their midsection is also more tapered, connecting the abdomen and the thorax.

The overall aggressive appearance of wasps suits their temperament, and they even have a stinger with multiple uses to back it up.

Behaviour

The honeybees live in big colonies known as hives made up of thousands of members that work together to collect the pollen and nectar required for the production of honey. Once they feel threatened, bees will fight to defend and protect their hives. But without any threats, most honeybees exhibit less aggression compared to wasps.

The stinger of honey bees has a barbed tip that tears out from the insect after it stung, which results in the death of the bee. This is why the stinger of honey bees is only a one-time use weapon that encourages more defensive behaviour instead of offensive.

On the other hand, wasps are more predatory. They don’t spread pollen, collect nectar, or produce honey. These insects mainly survive by feeding on other insects. Some wasps also rely on scavenging. Wasps are also more inclined to show aggression, with straight-tipped stingers that can easily deliver multiple painful stings that won’t injure the insect, unlike in the case of bees.

Hives and Nests

 wasp nest vs beehive

You can easily distinguish wasps from bees by looking at the location, building material, and shape of their hives and nests. Honey bees and their fuzzier and fatter cousins, the bumble bees, often live in hives made from a waxy substance. You can spot a honeycomb cell pattern attached to trees, in attics, and exposed in bushes, especially if they cannot find better locations. However, beehives shouldn’t look papery.

The nests of wasps are made of a papery substance with an umbrella-like shape with open cells on the lower part. They may also have a bulbous shape and be smooth with paper walls. You can often find wasp nests in roofs, eves, corners, and other structures. These papery nests can hold several hundred of these insects.

Yellow jacket wasps may also seek refuge in your attic. Some even build their nests in the ground, holding thousands of these stinging predators. It is also important to note that wasp nests don’t contain wax or honey.

Benefits of Bees and Wasps to the Ecosystem

Even though most people are aware of the benefits of bees to the ecosystem, many may not be familiar with the fact that wasps also have their role in the environment. This is despite being infamously known as an aggressive nuisance.

As you might already know, bees are amazing pollinators. With the help of the hairy short legs, bees can collect and transport more than 80% of the pollen that most vegetable-seed plants, fruits, and legumes need to reproduce.

If all the bees on the planet were extinct, there would be a drastic change in the human diet because most of the available foods would diminish or even disappear without the help of bee pollination. In particular, coffee would become rare and expensive because the coffee flower only opens for pollination during a window period of a few days per year.

The next time you feel tempted to stomp on the bee that lands on the cup of your morning coffee you are enjoying outside on your porch, you might want to think twice and consider the benefits that bee pollen has to offer.

While wasps may not be excellent as pollinators like honeybees, they still serve their purpose. Wasps act more as natural pest control. These predators feed their young with other insects. Preying mainly on flies, crickets, and caterpillars, just to mention a few, the hostile wasps can help in controlling the population of different insects that can kill valuable crops.

Seeing a yellow jacket might make you want to destroy it right away, especially if it startled you with its intimidating appearance. However, as long as their nest is located at a safe distance away from your home, your best course of action, in this case, is to just leave the wasp alone.

While bees and wasps are two insects that you wouldn’t want to nest near or inside your home, proper identification of the insect can help you determine a suitable plan of action to deal with them accordingly.

Physical appearance, behaviour, and nesting habits are the three major things you should watch out for to know which of these two pests is causing you trouble.

But if you fear or suspect that you might already be facing a serious bee or wasp infestation around or in your home, you should make the move before it gets worse. The good news is that all it takes is a phone call to the experts on pest control Dublin and you can finally free yourself from the worries of knowing that some bees or wasps may bring harm to you and your family.

Don't hesitate to contact The Wasp Specialist in Dublin for your wasp nest removal needs.

Call The Wasp Specialist in Dublin: (01) 452 3680 

Email Us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

or fill out the Online Form

If you have noticed a wasp nest in your shed, it is essential to take action before the infestation becomes a bigger problem. Wasps are aggressive and can be dangerous, especially if you have an allergy to their stings. In this blog, we will discuss the risks associated with a wasp nest in a shed and recommend using a professional service to ensure the safe removal of the nest.

Risks Associated with a Wasp Nest in Sheds

A wasp nest in a shed can pose various risks to you and your property. Here are some of the most common risks associated with a wasp nest in shed:

  1. Wasp stings: Wasps are aggressive when they feel threatened, and their stings can be extremely painful, especially if you have an allergy. Wasps can sting multiple times, which can lead to severe health complications, including anaphylaxis.

  2. Structural damage: Wasps can chew through wood, cardboard, and other materials to build their nests. Over time, this can cause significant structural damage to your shed, which can be costly to repair.

  3. Infestation: A single wasp nest in your shed can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation if left untreated. The more wasps you have in your shed, the higher the risk of being stung.

  4. Property damage: Wasps can cause damage to your property, including chewing through electrical wires and other materials.

  5. Health risks: Wasps can carry harmful bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause serious health problems if they come into contact with food or other surfaces in your shed.

Another risk associated with wasp nests in sheds is that they can attract other pests such as rodents and birds. These pests are attracted to the sweet nectar produced by the wasps and will often try to steal it from the nest. This can lead to further damage to your shed and increase the risk of infestations.

How to Identify a Wasp Nest in your Shed

Identifying a wasp nest in your shed is the first step to taking action to remove it safely. Here are some signs that you may have a wasp nest in your shed:

  1. Increased wasp activity: If you notice an increase in wasp activity in or around your shed, there is a good chance that you have a nest nearby.

  2. Visible nest: Wasps build their nests out of a papery material that resembles gray or brown cardboard. If you can see a visible nest in your shed, it is essential to take action immediately.

  3. Presence of wasps: If you notice a high number of wasps flying around your shed, it is likely that there is a nest nearby.

  4. Chewed wood or cardboard: If you notice that wood or cardboard in your shed has been chewed, it could be a sign that wasps are building a nest.

 wasp nest identification

How to Remove a Wasp Nest in Shed

Removing a wasp nest in a shed is not a task that should be taken lightly. It is essential to take the proper precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of others in the area. Here are some tips for removing a wasp nest in your shed:

  1. Wear protective clothing: Before attempting to remove a wasp nest, it is essential to wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, and gloves. It is also recommended to wear a hat with a veil to protect your face.

  2. Use a wasp spray: You can purchase a wasp spray from your local hardware store to remove the nest. Follow the instructions carefully and ensure that you are using the spray in a well-ventilated area.

  3. Seal off the area: Once you have removed the nest, it is essential to seal off the area to prevent wasps from returning. Use caulk or another sealant to cover any gaps or holes in your shed.

  4. Dispose of the nest: After removing the nest, it is important to dispose of it properly. Seal the nest in a plastic bag and dispose of it in your outdoor trash bin.

How to Prevent Wasp Nests from Forming

There are several ways that homeowners can prevent wasp nests from forming in their sheds:

  1. Keep your shed clean and tidy - Wasps are attracted to areas where there is food debris or rubbish lying around.

  2. Seal any cracks or gaps - Wasps will use any gaps or cracks as entry points into your shed.

  3. Use insect repellent - Insect repellent sprays can help deter wasps from entering your shed.

  4. Use decoys - Some homeowners use decoys such as fake wasp nests or fake predators (such as owls) to deter real wasps from nesting in their sheds.

  5. Call in an expert - If you have had problems with wasp nests before, it’s best to call in an expert pest control service such as “The Wasp Specialist in Dublin” for advice on how best to prevent future infestations.

Why You Should Use a Professional Wasp Nest Removal Service

Removing a wasp nest in your shed can be dangerous and should be left to the professionals. Here are some reasons why you should consider using a professional wasp nest removal service:

  1. Safety: Professional wasp nest removal services have the proper training and equipment to safely remove the nest without risking injury to you or others.

  2. Efficiency: Professional wasp nest removal services can remove the nest quickly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of a more significant infestation.

  3. Expertise: Professional wasp nest removal services have the expertise and knowledge to identify the type of wasp and the best method for removal.

  4. Guarantee: Reputable professional wasp nest removal services offer a guarantee on their work, giving you peace of mind that the nest will be removed safely and effectively.

If you have a wasp nest in a shed, this can pose various risks to you and your property. Identifying the signs of a wasp nest in your shed and taking action to remove it is essential to prevent a more significant infestation. While you can attempt to remove the nest yourself, it is recommended to use a professional wasp nest removal service for your safety and efficiency.

Don't hesitate to contact The Wasp Specialist in Dublin for your wasp nest removal needs.

Call The Wasp Specialist in Dublin: (01) 452 3680 

Email Us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

or fill out the Online Form

One of the most important aspects of maintaining the upkeep of lush and healthy plant life in your garden is to know the ins and outs of insects that can make their habitat on your trees. Wasps usually live in gardens and you can see them among tree branches. Being more familiar with the behavior of these flying insects can help keep you and your garden safe.

For homeowners who have gardens with trees, it is vital to consider the ecosystem as a whole. Most of the time when people spot a wasp nest, they rush to call for a wasp nest removal service.

But, before you get the help of professionals for proper wasp nest removal, there are a few things you need to know first.

How to Identify the Presence of a Wasp Nest in Your Garden

How will you even know if there is a wasp nest in your garden, then? For starters, you should know exactly what you are searching for. These insects often build their own structures or live in spaces like empty foxholes or hollowed trees, for instance. 

If there are no obvious and visible structures that may indicate the presence of a wasp nest in the garden, be sure to watch out for consistent points of exit and entry. These are parts of the tree where wasps seem to enter and exit often. When wasps put up their house on tree branches, their nest will be easy to spot. 

Mainly grey in colour, wasp nests look like grey paper stuck together. It then forms what resembles a tiny paper mache football. You have to find a wasp nest as soon as possible. These nests can grow in size quickly within a short span of time. Be sure to inspect your tree branches and observe the flight patterns of these insects. Doing so will help you determine when it is necessary for you to take immediate action. 

Wasp-Nest-in-Your-Garden

Dangers and Risks of Having Wasp Nests in Gardens

Wasp nests are no doubt one of the worst nightmares you can ever have in your garden or home and hundreds can be seen every year all over Dublin. 

But, what most people don’t know is that many of these insects actually have predictable behaviour that will give you an idea right away of the danger you might be facing at the moment. 

You might end up getting stung once you venture too close to the wasp nest or if you find yourself standing between the nest and the wasps.

Once disturbed, wasps can become extremely animated and start pouring out of their nest and on the surface. In just a matter of 15 minutes, the insects will go back inside the nest again and things will return to normal.

The real danger occurs if the wasps get disturbed first. This is similar to pulling a grenade’s pin. The wasp nest has been primed and prepared to unleash everything it got on the target or threat.

Just imagine kicking a ball at a fence or hedge where a wasp nest is attached. The wasps will swarm out and start settling down after several minutes. But, take note that not all insects go back inside. After several minutes, the unsuspicious person who kicked the ball will come to collect it, thinking it is safe.

However, once the person gets within 6 feet of the wasp nest, the wasps that rest on the surface of the nest will see the person and just like that, the insects will attack as a single unit even before the person gets the chance to turn around and run. 

Threats of Wasp Nests in Your Garden Trees

Wasps are infamous for their rather terrifying reputation of being among the most feared and aggressive pests in Dublin and other parts of the world.

There are some people, like the elderly, young children, and those with allergies who tend to be more seriously affected by the stings of wasps. It is the reason why, depending on whether you often stay in your garden or not, the best solution is often treating the wasp nest.

If there are more activities in the garden, people may get close to the tree where the wasp nest is attached more often. It is also a bad sign the moment the wasps get distressed. Once aggravated, these insects will emit pheromones signalling the nearby colony members. The other wasps will fly from your garden tree to defend their comrade. 

Your trees themselves are also at risk if these bear fruits. Wasps have the tendency of burrowing into the flesh of fruits like apples and pears to feed on their sugary juices. There is actually nothing much you can do to prevent this. The only thing you can do is to get rid of the wasp nest in garden trees.

Watch Out for the Different Forms of Wasp Nests

It is always a good decision to watch out for the presence of even a small wasp nest in your garden, yard, and home. The best ways how to control and get rid of a wasp nest will depend on where it is located.

Your first option is to ignore it. If there are only minimal stings and the nest is found away from human activities, it will be better to simply leave it alone. Once freezing temperatures kick in at fall, all the workers and the queen will be killed as these don’t survive during winter. Your best choice is to avoid doing anything if you can wait until then.

But, if there are risks of stings and you can no longer put up with them, nest treatment is necessary. In general, there are three common wasp nest situations and each of them gets controlled in different ways.

Exposed wasp nests

Exposed wasp nests are those hanging from horizontal surfaces like tree branches or eaves of the house. It is a straightforward task to treat these nests and sometimes, you can do it on your own. 

You can use an aerosol insecticide can labelled for hornets and wasps and spray this on the entrance of the nest. But, be sure to do it late at night once the wasps no longer fly in and out of their nest. A single application is often enough to get rid of them. Just treat the nest again if there are any survivors.

Ground-nesting wasp nests

It is also common for wasps to nest in the ground, particularly in old rodent burrows. The opening leading to the nest is visible but not the actual nest itself. It is not easy to find these nests although people usually notice such nests during late summer.

Applying granular or dust insecticide is the best way of treating these nests. Again, you need to do it during the late evening activity after the wasp activity stopped. Avoid using liquid products since these are less effective in this case.

Hidden wasp nests

It can be very challenging to deal with nests hidden inside buildings. Similar to ground nests, the only thing visible is that space where the insects fly back and forth, with the actual nest remaining concealed. Wasps commonly form their nests in spaces below stairs, attics, and wall voids.

Avoid spraying the opening of the nest. It is ineffective since the nest doesn’t line up with the location of the opening, which means that the insecticide doesn’t reach the nest where the colony resides. Similarly, you should never try blocking the opening just so the wasps won’t be able to get out. 

When you do any of these, the wasps will only go to a different direction and most of the time, it means that they will find their way inside your house. People often end up being swarmed by wasps after they spray or seal a nest opening. 

The best method of control here is applying dust on the opening. The product should be labelled for use around and in homes.

Are Wasp Nests Beneficial for Garden Trees?

Despite all the bad rap that these flying insects get, wasps actually play an important role in your garden’s ecosystem. Caterpillars and other insects are some of their main sources of food and they feed these to their grubs. 

Having a healthy wasp population in your garden can help ensure that the population of these insects won’t get out of hand. It will also ensure that the leaves of your trees will not be destroyed and overrun. Even if this is not really a good enough reason for having an active wasp nest in your garden trees, this should also give you a better understanding of why they exist in the first place. 

For this reason, it is best to get rid of a wasp nest in garden trees if it poses a safety and health risk to you and your family or the public.

 

At the end of the day, you need to ask yourself: can I undertake a wasp treatment safely by myself or should I use a professional wasp nest removal service in Dublin? to help treat a wasp nest in the garden or inside your home?

 

When to Contact Pest Control Experts for Wasp Treatment

There are times when a wasp nest might be located in hard-to-reach areas like a tall tree, on the roof, or inside the cavity of your floorboards or wall. If it is impossible for you to access the nest or you already tried the do-it-yourself options mentioned above, your best move is to contact The Wasp Specialist in Dublin and let them deal with the wasp infestation.
In case you or a member of your family has an allergy to wasps, it is also important to call a professional who can deal with your problem at the soonest time possible. Never attempt getting close to the wasps if you have an allergy to their sting.

 wasp sting allergy

Ways to Keep Wasps Out of Your Garden

After the successful removal of wasp infestation, you can do the following to keep these insects out of your home for good:

  1. Reduce potential sources of food by covering trash with a lid, regularly cleaning up crumbs or spills, and avoiding food and pet food left unattended for a long time.
  2. Seal off exposed points of entry, specifically in your attic, basement, and roofing and around door and window frames.
  3. Avoid the use of perfumes and heavily scented candles and sprays inside the house since these can attract these nectar-loving pests.
  4. If there are smaller roofed items in your backyard like birdhouses and dog kennels, use aluminium for covering below the roof’s exposed part.

Call The Wasp Specialist in Dublin: (01) 452 3680 

Email Us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

or fill out the Online Form

 

Common wasps are insects that don’t like interacting with people but they can sting you if provoked. Wasp stings tend to be quite painful for everyone and worse, life-threatening to people with allergies. If you have confirmed or you suspect that there is a wasp problem in your Dublin home, there are several basic things you need to know about these nasty flying insects, together with tips on how to naturally get rid of wasps, how to check for wasp infestations, and more.

Appearance of Wasps

To clear things up, common wasps (vespula vulgaris) are not bees with bodies that are usually longer and more slender. They often feed on other insects like spiders, caterpillars, flies, and nectar. Wasps have two wings, six legs, an exoskeleton, two antennae on the head, and a body divided to three primary parts namely the head, abdomen, and thorax.
Unlike bees, female wasps can sting repeatedly because their stinger has tiny barbs that don’t stick into the skin. The stinger of a female wasp can be found at the lower body’s tip that also acts as a reproductive organ where the eggs are laid. On the other hand, male wasps cannot sting.

How Do Wasps Find Their Way into Your Yard or Home?

There are three primary elements that can make wasps attracted to build their nest in your yard or home and these include the following:

  • Plantlife and nectar-filled and sweet flowers
  • Ideal spots for nesting like soffits, gutters, and eaves that provide protection
  • Sources of food like pet food bowls, garbage bags, outdoor eating spots with sticky spills or crumbs, or an abundance of spiders or insects

Aside from the fact that their sting can be painful, wasps can also be a fatal risk to someone allergic to the injected venom. Usually, symptoms of a wasp sting can include localized pain, itching, swelling, and mild site at the location of the sting.

Checking for Wasps in Your House

If you see a significant number of wasps that fly around your yard or home, there is a big possibility that there is a wasp nest somewhere in your property. If you want to locate a wasp nest, try observing a wasp from a distance to see the direction it flies. Another method you can do is leave out some food like canned tuna or pet food that will lure the insects before you cautiously follow them back to their nest.

Pay extra attention to holes where they might be crawling from. You might be able to spot a visible nest attached to trees, plants, bushes, under eaves or windowsills, or under siding and other overhangs along your house and even your dog’s kennel.

Once you noticed wasps inside your house, you might want to observe them closely to know their points of entry and exit in your home and the possible location of their nest. Check your home for torn screens, cracks around door and window frames, and unsealed vents for any sign that these insects might already be getting in and out of your home without you knowing it.

How Long Does a Wasp Infestation Last?

Wasps tend to establish a brand new colony every spring. With the mild weather in Dublin, this can start as early as the beginning of April. It is also very rare for them to use their old nest again. This means that on average, it is safe to expect that wasp infestations can last for not more than one year. It is also common for wasp colonies to build a new nest beside an existing nest. This is the reason why you need to eliminate these insects together with their nests right after your see and confirmed an infestation.

Steps to Follow to Getting Rid of Wasps

If a wasp colony has decided to take up residence in your backyard or home, you might be wondering how you can immediately get rid of these stinging insects. The steps listed below will teach you how you can kill wasps with the use of a homemade wasp killer and how you can create a DIY wasp trap to get rid of them once and for all.

  1. Wear the right safety materials and appropriate clothing.
    Before you even attempt to approach a wasp nest, make sure you cover yourself up in a long-sleeved top, long pants, gloves, closed-toe shoes, and goggles or glasses for eye protection.
  2. Use a powerful vacuum on your carpets, floors, mattress, and furniture if wasps found their way from their nest to the inside of your home.
    You can use the vacuum’s crevice tool attachment for going over any cracks or tight spaces because these are the areas where wasps often hide. A vacuum with disposable bags can be used so you can simply discard the bag in the outdoor garbage can right after you use it. You will also need to temporarily plug the access hole(s) wasps are using to get in.

Eliminate the wasp infestation.

You can try to use any or all of the methods below for treating a wasp infestation.

  • Nest drenching
    Use an insecticide specifically made for wasps to completely and heavily saturate the nest with it. Depending on the accessibility of the nest, you can use a spray with a long nozzle or a handheld spray. Be careful of wasps as they fly out of their nest and spray each when they emerge. If you are that you already killed off, destroy the nest right away.
  • Nest dusting
    It is a method that makes use of dust or powder versions of wasp insecticide for covering the nest and eventually killing off the wasp colony. This method doesn’t have the same level of effectiveness as nest drenching although this option is safer because you just need to drop the powder over the wasp nest and simply walk away. However, take note that this will require reapplication and it may take weeks before you can kill off the entire colony.
  • DIY wasp tray
    If you are not keen on the idea of using insecticides, you can create a homemade wasp trap on your own. Get a 2-litre soda bottle and cut around the bottle’s neck right under the tape. Put the bait at the bottle’s bottom that can include something sweet like honey or jam or a protein like luncheon meat. Add a small amount of vinegar to your bait to ensure that bees don’t get attracted to your trap. Lastly, unscrew and remove the bottle cap before you flip the upper portion of the bottle upside down so you can tuck this into the bottle’s bottom part.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Wasps

There are a lot of home remedies you can try to eliminate wasps with the use of all-natural ingredients. There are many chemical-free methods to keep wasps away and prevent them from going back such as putting herbs with strong smells, e.g. eucalyptus, citronella, thyme, or spearmint near your windows, on the patio, and around the backyard.

You can even formulate a wasp-repelling spray with the use of essential oils with one teaspoon each of clove oil, geranium essential oil, lemongrass oil and six cups of water. Mix the ingredients in a clean spray bottle and thoroughly spray this on the nest at night, which is a time when wasps tend to be less active. You can repeat the procedure until the wasps leave their nest for good.

If you want a natural way of killing wasps instead of merely sending them off, prepare a spray mixing a cup of water and 3 tablespoons of lemon extract. Saturate the wasp nest with this solution at night or you can also directly spray this on the wasp while wearing your protective clothing.

When to Contact Pest Control Experts for Wasp Treatment

There are times when a wasp nest might be located in hard-to-reach areas like a tall tree, on the roof, or inside the cavity of your floorboards or wall. If it is impossible for you to access the nest or you already tried the do it yourself options mentioned above, your best move is to contact The Wasp Specialist in Dublin and let them deal with the wasp infestation.
In case you or a member of your family has an allergy to wasps, it is also important to call a professional who can deal with your problem at the soonest time possible. Never attempt getting close to the wasps if you have an allergy to their sting.

 wasp sting allergy

Ways to Keep Wasps Out of Your Dublin Home

After the successful removal of wasp infestation, you can do the following to keep these insects out of your home for good:

  1. Reduce potential sources of food by covering trash with a lid, regularly cleaning up crumbs or spills, and avoiding food and pet food left unattended for a long time.
  2. Seal off exposed points of entry, specifically in your attic, basement, and roofing and around door and window frames.
  3. Avoid the use of perfumes and heavily scented candles and sprays inside the house since these can attract these nectar-loving pests.
  4. If there are smaller roofed items in your backyard like birdhouses and dog kennels, use aluminium for covering below the roof’s exposed part.

Call The Wasp Specialist in Dublin: (01) 452 3680 

Email Us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

or fill out the Online Form

 

How do wasps build their nests?

Wasp nests are made of a paper paste built with a mixture of wood fragments and saliva. The wood is collected by the wasps from neighbouring garden sheds, logs, fences, etc., and the fibre is extracted from the wasp's powerful mandibles. The resulting softwood pulp is then shaped and added to the nest.

wasp nest in golf bag

 

Do wasps die out in the wintertime?

In Ireland, all worker wasps die off in winter, generally from the beginning of December. Nevertheless, towards the end of the season, the nest produces several queen wasps that survive the winter by hibernating. The hibernation takes place inside the old nest or nearby in a sheltered location. The following April/May surviving queen wasps wake up from hibernation and start building up new nests.

Do wasps come back to their nest each year?

No. New queen wasps never reuse an existing nest. They build a brand new nest in spring, but it is common to have this new nest adjacent to an old one (in Dublin we regularly find up to 6 wasp nests in a single attic). If an old nest fills a gap in the eaves or a cavity wall, it may be a good strategy to leave it so there is no room for a new nest in the following years.

For how long do wasps live? 

Worker wasps, which are sterile females, live for 12 to 22 days. Fertile males (or drones) live for a few more days. Finally, queen wasps have a lifespan of approx. 12 months. 

Do wasps have a queen?

Every wasp nest has a queen who lay eggs. Worker wasps (females) may also lay eggs but they are not fertile and only produce male wasps. After the first group of adults has emerged, they assume the building of the nest and also care for the larvae and fetch food for the colony.

What do wasps eat?

Wasps feed from a wide assortment of insects, both adults and larvae. The social wasps found in Ireland are omnivorous, sustaining on dead insects but also on fallen fruits and nectar.

How many wasps are in a nest?

Wasp nests in Ireland contain between 3000 and 6000 wasps for the largest nests. What limits the expansion of the nest is not the cold weather killing the wasps but the scarcity of food as winter begins.

What plants repel wasps and hornets?

Some plants such as eucalyptus, citronella, mint and wormwood are naturally repellent to wasps. Try to introduce these beautiful plants in your garden and they will deter the wasps away.

             Eucalyptus

             Pink Eucalyptus

Do wasps and hornets sting?

Contrary to honey bees, hornets and wasps can sting several times and do not die after stinging. So if you get stung make sure you leave the area rapidly. Humans are more sensitive to hornet stings than wasps stings because their venom contains more acetylcholine. Despite their bad publicity, wasps provide very important ecological services, which include predation and parasitism of other insects and larvae.

Do wasps help with pollination?

Wasps look like honey bees but are not covered with fluffy hairs. Thus, pollen does not adhere as well to their bodies when moving from flower to flower and they are far less efficient at pollinating.

How big is the queen wasp?

Some species of queen wasps can achieve lengths of more than 1.5 inches, but in Ireland, common wasps are much smaller. Adult workers measure 12 to 17mm and the queen is slightly bigger (around 20mm).

queen wasp resting the wasp specialist dublin

Queen German wasp resting

Honeybee / Bumblebee / Wasp / Hoverfly illustrations

 

honeybee vs bumblebee wasp hoverfly carpenter bee paper wasp

 

Professional Help

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hoverfly pictureDo you see a lot of wasps flying around but cannot identify the nest location?

If you see a lot of wasps around your garden, especially around ivy or on tree leaves, the first thing you should make sure of is that they are not "Hoverflies", a very common insect in all Dublin areas (see picture). 

Hover flies look a lot like wasps, but they have a distinctive flattened abdomen. They are smaller than wasps and can fly perfectly "on the spot" without moving forward or backwards (unlike wasps). They do not sting or bite so you should pay no attention to them.

If you see wasps congregating around an area of your house (usually the roof or an air vent), it does not necessarily mean there is a wasp nest inside. There are two case scenarios which can give you the answer:

Scenario One: 

Wasps are flying in and out constantly through an aperture(s). This means there is a wasp nest hidden in the wall or eaves of your house. Such activity is illustrated in the video below.

Scenario Two:

You leave in a house that is identical to your neighbours, in an estate for instance. Wasps gather around an aperture(s), but they move more randomly around the area, often without focus, occasionally going in and out, but mostly flying around the area. This is a very common situation in Dublin, where many identical housing estates have been built in the last 50 years.

What happens in this situation is that some worker wasps get confused while returning to their nest and pick the wrong house! (see picture below)

housing estates similar houses examples

If you suspect this situation, you should walk up and down your street (4 or 5 houses each way) until you find the "scenario 1" above. You should then advise your neighbour to have the nest treated as there is nothing you can do to your house that will solve the wasp nest problem.

Professional Help

DIY Wasp nest removal can represent a health and safety risk for you, your family, and your neighbours. The Wasp Specialist technicians are experts in wasp nest removal in all Dublin areas. Regardless of the location and the size of the wasp nest, we can remove it safely. Our wasp nest treatments are also fully guaranteed!

Call The Wasp Specialist: (01) 452 3680

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or fill out the Online Form

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