Wasps - please help

[reallyjustme]

I have a wasp nest in my attick. EVerywhere I read they say that the nest is made of masticated wood - is this my roof beams? ARe they damaging? I don't want them to take over my attick. I don't want to get stung? Does it have to go?

[JRsbugs]

Hi and welcome to WAB.

Wasps make their nests from old wood which they can chew the softer outer layers from, you may have seen one chewing on an old fence post or garden seat. I doubt they would harm your rafters, but that might depend on what they are.

Wasps don't normally sting unless they are under attack or feel threatened, it's their defence, like you might attack an intruder in your house. Some are more docile than others. The nest will die off towards autumn, with only the queen over wintering. If you feel safe then it doesn't have to go, just enjoy watching them!

Could you take a picture of one to post here? It doesn't have to be good, just recognisable.

Janet

[Dinasaw]

Hello! I was reading a wasp-nest forum on this site (2007 I think but I can't find it now - Google sent me to it this morning) because I too was worried about a nest in my roof-space. My hubby was the first to be aware of them outside the bathroom window ( I have mild tinnitus so hadn't noticed anything new!)

Anyway the general advice was to leave well alone if you can live with the visitors. The nests are wonderful creations! In our case the entry point is far enough from the windows for them not to come indoors by mistake. I was upset to need to have 2 nests in the garden destroyed a few years ago, because they were near a public path. I hope I can be a better host this time, and that the colony doesn't pose a nuisance as it grows!!

Best wishes with your guezzzts!

[Paul mabbott]

I'm all for live and let live - have never damaged an active nest in our roof or garden. However, today have noticed wasps emerging in large numbers from under the front door step! They'll have to go, I'm afraid .....