Wasps are one of the UK’s most hated house pests.
A YouGov poll found that 19% of respondents dislike wasps the most of all pests.
Only spiders were hated by more people (22%).
But unlike UK spiders, wasps can be dangerous. Each year, an average of 10 people are killed by them.
Read on to learn how you can spot signs of a wasp nest in your house.
Identifying wasps
The word ‘wasp’ technically refers to a specific category of insect that includes over 100,000 species.
However, in the UK, people are typically referring to yellowjackets. These are yellow with black stripes and approximately 1.2 – 1.7 cm (half an inch) long.
Like bees, wasps can sting. According to the famous Schmidt Sting Pain Index, wasp stings are level 2 (out of 4):
“Hot and smoky, almost irreverent. Imagine WC Fields extinguishing a cigar on your tongue.”
Schmidt Sting Pain Index comments on yellowjacket sting
1. Seeing a wasp nest
This may seem like an obvious sign to list, but not everyone knows what a wasp nest looks like!
They are typically spherical or cone-shaped with a swirling pattern. They are made of chewed wood fibre, which gives them a dull grey colour.
They are often found in sheltered spots where it’s easy to get outside, such as:
Some will nest underground. Either way, they typically enter and exit through the same area.
Size
Wasps nests are, on average, the size of a football (20 – 30cm diameter) and relatively light (a few KG).
They can be made up of anywhere between 2,000 – 20,000 wasps, depending on the time of year and surrounding conditions.
Wasps nests vs bee hives
Bee hives are made up of symmetrical wax hexagons.
Their surface typically looks more ‘designed’ and ‘tidy’ than wasps nests.
However, bees typically hide their hives deeply within cavities, whereas wasp nests are more exposed.
2. Hearing wasps on your property
You may hear wasp nests’ distinct sounds before you see them. Listen out for a low-pitched buzzing noise. You might also hear crackling or tapping.
This may be faint and only audible when you’re in certain parts of the property. And it is typically louder during the day than at night.
3. Chewed wood or paper
Wasps are well-known to chew through wood. This typically occurs during the nest-building process.
If you find wood in your home that’s chewed, and you can’t explain it, it could be an indicator of a wasp nest. This could be wood in:
- Door frames
- Timber frames
- Furniture
- Skirting boards.
And more.
Wasps will also chew through paper as part of building their nest.
4. Wet patches on the walls or ceiling
When there’s a large wasp on your property, it typically creates moisture. This leads to wet patches on your walls or ceilings.
This could come through from another room or a sheltered spot on your roof or walls.
5. Neighbours or previous owners’ experience
Wasps are more prevalent in certain types of environments, such as Woodlands. And they also tend not to travel long distances.
If your neighbours have a long history of wasp nests on their property, there could be a higher likelihood for yours.
Likewise, be cautious if the previous owners of your property reported this issue (in a TA6 form).
6. Multiple wasps sightings
Wasps are common in the summer. There’s no need to panic if you spot one or two in your garden or even house.
But if they’re visible in extremely high quantities outside, this could mean that they’ve got a wasp nest in the vicinity.
7. Musty smell
Wasp nests create a musty or damp smell. The odour comes from the moisture that’s typical of a wasp nest.
The smell could be slightly more pungent if a wasp nest decomposes over time (a sign it’s empty). Many people compare this odour to rotting fish.
8. You find dead wasps around the house
One or two dead wasps are not necessarily a cause for concern, especially during the summer if you’ve your windows open.
But once it becomes a pattern, or you notice quite a few, you should check for a nest.
9. Aggressive wasps
Wasps usually behave more aggressively when there’s a nest nearby.
If wasps are acting particularly aggressive, then perhaps they’ve got a nest in the vicinity.
It’s also worth noting that wasps act more aggressively towards the end of summer. So, this sign is more salient if it’s earlier in the summer.
