Wasp nest removal in Breda: finding the nest
Every wasp nest starts small. In spring a lone queen builds a papery ball no bigger than a ping-pong ball; by midsummer the colony is busy and you see a steady stream of wasps using one fixed entrance. That entrance tells us a lot, because the nest itself is usually tucked out of sight, for example:
- in a cavity wall, reached through an open weep vent or air brick
- under roof tiles or behind a loose eaves comb
- in a roller shutter box, shed or summerhouse
- in a bird box or a hole in the ground
Why tackling wasps yourself is risky
A can of spray from the DIY shop looks like a quick fix, but with a nest inside a wall or under the tiles you rarely reach the colony. You only stir it up, and a disturbed nest defends itself fiercely, which is a real danger on a ladder. Never block the entrance either: the wasps will look for another way out and sometimes chew through into the loft or a bedroom.
Anyone allergic to stings should keep well away. To see how we work in general, read more about our pest control in Breda.
How our wasp treatment works
First we confirm which insect we are dealing with, because a bee colony or hornets need a different approach from wasps. Then we locate the entrance and work out how to reach it safely. We carry out the treatment towards evening, when almost all the wasps are back inside. A professional product goes into or around the entrance and the wasps carry it into the nest, after which activity gradually fades.
If the nest hangs freely in a shed or loft, we usually take it down once it has been treated. A nest deep in a cavity wall can stay where it is: wasps never reuse an old nest.
Bee nest removal in Breda
Not every buzzing nest belongs to wasps. Honey bees are not exterminated: if a swarm settles in your tree or a colony moves into a hollow wall, we prefer to refer you to a beekeeper (imker) who collects the bees and gives them a new home. A swarm is usually calm and often moves on by itself.
Bumblebees are left in peace wherever possible. Their nest under a shed, in an old mouse hole or in a bird box is small and dies out after one season. Mason bees in old mortar joints are harmless too. Not sure whether you have a bee nest or a wasp nest? A photo taken from a safe distance already helps us a great deal.
Hornet nest removal in Breda
The European hornet is much bigger than a wasp, reddish-brown and yellow, and nests in hollow trees, sheds and lofts. It is calmer than its size suggests, but it will defend its nest at close range. The Asian hornet is dark, almost black, with a single orange band on the abdomen and yellow legs. Its large nest usually hangs high in a tree; in spring the queen first builds a smaller one, often under a porch roof or the eaves.
If you spot an Asian hornet, report it on waarneming.nl. A hornet nest is a job for a professional with protective clothing and the right equipment.
Preventing a new nest next year
Wasp nest removal solves this year's problem. For a quieter summer next year, take a walk round in spring: a small grey ball under the eaves, in the shed or behind a hatch is still easy to deal with at that stage.
- Fit insect grilles in open weep vents and fine mesh behind air bricks.
- Replace damaged eaves combs under the bottom row of tiles.
- Keep sweet drinks and fruit covered on the patio.
- Clear up windfall fruit in the garden regularly.
Fine scratch marks on your fence or garden furniture are usually wasps scraping wood fibre for their nest. Small round holes with powdery dust point to woodworm instead; see our page on woodworm treatment.
