What are the wasps we get in Ireland?
There are only two species of wasps in Ireland that people mostly notice: the Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German Wasp (Vespula germanica). They are very similar in appearance, but the German wasp is slightly bigger.
Queens have similar markings as workers, but they are bigger. It is very easy to differentiate them:
Profile view: The German wasp has a continuous yellow band behind the eye and the Common wasp has a black mark in the middle of it.
View from above: The German wasp abdomen has black bands with separate black dots, but the Common wasp has broader black bands merging with these dots.
The nests of German wasps are more greyish in colour than Common wasp nests, and also they are more likely to be built underground, in an abandoned rat or mouse nest. In Dublin, the nests start to be built as early as the beginning of April. The nests can become very large with up to 10,000 individuals and most of the time only have one entrance.
Both wasps have painful stings, but German wasps are less aggressive than Common wasps. Wasps eat sugary foods and proteins from insects and worms/caterpillars. They are social wasps and the workers spend the first part of their lives feeding the larvae in the nest until they hatch out of the nest and no longer need to be fed by these workers.
What attract wasps in our gardens
Once the worker wasps do not need to feed the young they are “free” and indulge their love for nectar (a sweet substance found in flowers) and this is when they get attracted to our gardens, lured by the wrong signals:
- In summer adults and children tend to wear bright clothing, but bright colours attract wasps.
- We also hold glasses of sweet drinks or eat ice cream which they can smell from a long distance.
- Shampoos that have floral scents may also attract wasps.
- Refuse bins – if you do not ensure that your outside bins have tightly closed lids, wasps may be attracted to the scent of their content. It is also preferable to keep your bins away from doors and windows.
More information
For more details about wasps and how to prevent them check our article on Basic Facts about Wasps and Ways to Get Rid of Them from Your Home
If you notice a wasp nest somewhere in your garden or your house, make sure you keep pets and children away. It is recommended to deal with the nest ASAP as it will only grow bigger during the summer months and the numerous wasps can become a threat to your family and neighbours, especially if they are allergic to stings.
If you need help to deal with wasps, contact The Wasp Specialist who is here to resolve any issues with Common and German wasps:
Call The Wasp Specialist: (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
The first wasp nests of the season have already started in Dublin!
Queen wasp coming out of hibernation
Small wasp nest built by a queen only (approx. 1 week)
Queen German wasp building its nest
New wasp nest hanging above a window (Terenure)
Wasp nest started in a birdhouse!
Starting in April, queen wasps wake up from their winter hibernation and start building their nests. Thousands of them are built around Dublin every year.
After a few weeks, the small wasp nests become visible in virtually all areas around houses such as garden sheds, attics, eaves, trees, wall cavities and even under ground.
Is it safe to remove a wasp nest?
First of all, you should not go near a wasp nest unless you are completely sure that you are not allergic to wasp stings. An anaphylactic reaction is life threatening even with medical help.
If the wasp nest is small enough and easy to reach, you may be able to treat it with a spray, after making sure you wear some protection for your face, hands and ankles.
Wasps are very protective of their nest and approaching a wasp nest can be incredibly dangerous if the wasps suspect they are being attacked.
You should also treat the wasp nest as early as possible in the season before it gets too big, with thousands of wasps inside.
Once the nest has been treated, you can remove it after a few days, being careful as some wasps may be still inside it and not completely dead.
If the wasp nest is in a difficult-to-reach location or in a confined space, e.g. inside an attic or wall or underground level, you should not take a chance and get professional help. If wasps get alerted of your approach, they will fight in swarms, and each of them can sting multiple times.
Get Rid of Wasps with Professional Help
If you feel threatened by the proximity of wasps near your home or property, call in the most knowledgeable wasp treatment services in Dublin. Since 1998 The Wasp Specialist has removed thousands of wasp nests of all sizes, shapes and locations in Dublin North and Dublin South, and has earned the trust of businesses and the local community.
We are known for our punctuality, family and pet-friendly methods, so you can be assured of your safety while we carry out the job. All our wasp treatments are fully guaranteed.
Call The Wasp Specialist: (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