Is removal of wasp nests necessary?
A wasp nest cannot be easily removed if active. Nests are normally active from May to October but this can be extended until December. I have treated active nests in December. If the nest is active (you will see worker wasps or in the early stages of the wasp nest, the Queen wasp going in and out of the wasp nest or a hole leading into the cavity that holds the wasp nest. Some wasp species (usually the German, European Wasp and Tree Wasps) will build their nests ‘hanging’ in a tree or bush) but most will build in cavities in buildings, then the nest will need treating before any attempt to remove the wasp nest is made. In fact if a wasp nest is removed before the wasps are dead it can lead to the workers that were out foraging at the time of removal attempting to re build the nest once they return and find the nest gone. If just treated they will attempt to enter the wasp nest and then become contaminated by the insecticide (at present PEST UK use an inside called Ficam D) and die.
Another problem with removing a wasp nest is that in a lot of cases the nest is not visible. The cavity where the wasp nest is situated may be in a cavity wall, a dormer window, a flat roof or any sealed cavity that is not accessible. If the nest is in a loft and visible it is best to wait a few weeks after treatment before any attempt is made to remove the wasp nest. Too soon and there may still be wasps active within the nest even if no wasps are flying in and out of the wasp nest entrance,
Really the answer to the original question is ‘No’.
PEST UK can offer free advice and reasonable prices for wasp nest treatment and removal (where possible).
BPCA Advice
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