Wasp Nest

[agrumpycow]

Have I got a wasp nest? Over the last few days we have been getting increasing numbers of wasps in our bathroom, just now I counted about 30 wasps in the bath alone. I can only think that there is a wasp nest in the air brick on the outside wall (I presume this is possible?) I don't want to destroy the wasp nest unless absolutely necessary, in any case we'd have to get someone in because of the location. My question is, if left how long would the wasp nest be active for if left?

[Gill Catton]

I think the wasp nest continues until the winter frosts kill them off..... Could you block off the air brick or access into the house temporarily or gauze it over maybe with some netting?

[dragonfly]

iam sorry to say that as they have found some where inside they may never die off the queen will die but she will be replaced by another one and the nest will only get bigger theyan be removed by an expert dont try yoourself .

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by dragonfly

iam sorry to say that as they have found some where inside they may never die off the queen will die but she will be replaced by another one and the nest will only get bigger theyan be removed by an expert dont try yoourself .

The vast majority of wasps die over the winter only the remaining queens are able to survive I think. Honey bees make it through as a colony because they stock up on food in the form of honey, wasps produce no such stores and I don't think most of the workers are programmed to go into hibernation like the queen - which allows her to survive...

Though there are those that know better than me and I could be wrong

[agrumpycow]

Cheers for the replies guys. I had wasps nest around the house before and I don't fear them too much but I feel a bit vulnerable when they try try and join me in the shower
I'll try blocking off the airbrick for a bit but if that fails I may have to call a 'man who can'

[glsammy]

This is one insect I'm afraid I couldn't put up with, especially if they're coming in in those numbers. It'll be intolerable come August.

[demicav]

Originally Posted by glsammy

This is one insect I'm afraid I couldn't put up with, especially if they're coming in in those numbers. It'll be intolerable come August.

I agree, especially as I'm allergic to wasp venom. They would have to go.

[galanthus]

I'm allergic to wasp venom too, went into heart failure during anaphylaxis about 12 years ago. I'm currently on a desensitisation programme, last 5 years but at the end I shouldn't be allergic any more. Worth having jabs full of venom every 5 wks, just !! consequently hate wasps and feel it's a bit of a sad irony when I love all forms of creatures and natural history.

[agrumpycow]

well, after blocking off the airbrick last night have come home from work and they're still arriving in the bathroom en masse My other half had a look and they seem to be going into the hole in the wall outside where the waste pipe goes in so we're going to block off the overflow to the bath and keep the plugs in! A can't believe how much it costs to get a someone in to destroy the nest, I can think of much better ways to spend that money..........clothes.......chocolate.......

[demicav]

Originally Posted by galanthus

I'm allergic to wasp venom too, went into heart failure during anaphylaxis about 12 years ago. I'm currently on a desensitisation programme, last 5 years but at the end I shouldn't be allergic any more. Worth having jabs full of venom every 5 wks, just !! consequently hate wasps and feel it's a bit of a sad irony when I love all forms of creatures and natural history.

Wow that's bad. This desensitisation programme sounds ok, as long as you get the desired results at the end of it.