Wasps
The wasp is probably the most
familiar but generally disliked of all British insects.
Description and life
cycle
Wasps are easily identified by their black and yellow bands. The
'workers' are 10 - 15 mm long, whilst the queen is larger and
usually only seen in the spring and autumn.
Nests are made from chewed wood mixed with saliva and may be found
underground or in cavities in trees, walls and buildings. New
queens leave the nest in autumn after mating and find a place to
hibernate for the winter. All the remaining wasps die when the
weather gets cold.
The queens wake up in spring and select a new nest site - old nests
are not used again. The queen lays eggs and raises the first
workers. She then stays in the nest and it is continually enlarged
by the workers as the colony grows.
Problems they
cause
Wasps can be a nuisance but do not commonly spread disease. Wasps
sting when they alarmed or threatened so try to stay calm and allow
them to fly away.
Whilst their stings maybe painful, they usually only cause
short-term discomfort. However multiple stings can be dangerous and
some people can be severely affected by a single sting. If in
doubt, seek medical advice.
Treatment
Our Pest Control Officers will provide the professional help
needed. They will inspect the property to determine the most
effective way to deal with the nest and treatment will be carried
out, normally with an insecticidal powder.
The Officer carrying out treatment for you will explain what has
been done. One visit is usually sufficient to clear a nest but
wasps will often be seen outside around the entrance for a few
days.
The Pest Control team can be contacted by: -
Telephone:
020 8430 4133 (Mon - Fri 9am -
5pm)
Fax:
020 8430 1547
E-mail:
pestcontrol@newham.gov.uk
It is not essential to remove old wasps nests if you find them as
they are not used again but take care and contact us if you are
unsure - breaking up an active nest could be very dangerous.
Control
There are a number of ways you can help to reduce the general
nuisance caused by wasps:
- Clean up food and drink spillages immediately, especially if
they are sweet or sticky.
- Remember the garden and clear up after a barbecue or
party.
- In the autumn, if you have fruit trees or bushes in the garden,
pick up fallen fruit before it rots.
- Clean pet food bowls after feeding.
- Keep food covered, in sealed containers or in the
refrigerator
- Replace caps on drinks bottles.
- Keep waste in a bin with a lid.
- Make sure the dustbin and area around it is kept clean and keep
the lid on.