Signs of a Wasp Nest

1. A constant stream of wasps to one spot

The clearest sign of a nest nearby is a steady flight path of wasps in and out of a single point — a hole under the eaves, an airbrick, a gap in pointing, or a small opening in a shed roof. If you watch from a safe distance for a couple of minutes, the wasps will keep returning to the same spot.

2. A papery, grey or beige structure

Wasp nests are made from chewed wood pulp. Small early-season nests look like a golf ball or light bulb hanging from a single stalk. Mature summer nests can be the size of a football or larger, with layered grey "shell" patterns.

3. Scratching, scraping or buzzing in a wall or ceiling

If a nest is inside a cavity or void, you may hear a faint scratching or rustling sound as the wasps work on the nest. This is most noticeable in a quiet room or at night.

4. Wasps inside the house

One or two wasps in a room is normal in summer. Several wasps appearing in the same room day after day, especially upstairs, often points to a nest in the loft, eaves or wall cavity nearby.

5. Damaged or "chewed" timber

Wasps strip thin layers of wood from sheds, fences and garden furniture to build the nest. Pale, scoured lines on bare timber can be a sign of nest-building activity nearby.

6. Ground-level activity

Common wasps and yellowjackets often nest in the ground — under decking, in compost heaps, on banks or among tree roots. Watch for wasps emerging from a single hole in the lawn or border.

What to do next

Do not block the entrance or attempt to remove the nest yourself. The safest approach is to have it assessed and treated professionally. Call us for advice — we'll tell you straight if it sounds like a wasp nest or something else.