Wasps and Bees
- Appearance
- Where to find them
- What they eat
- Why wasps can be a pest
- What you can do to control the problem
- How the council can help
- Bees
- Cost of treatment
- Contacts
Appearance
All the wasps found in the United Kingdom, with the exception of the hornet, are very similar with black and yellow bands on their body and two pairs of wings.
Where to find them
In spring, the fertilised queen leaves her hibernating quarters to seek nesting sites for a new colony. These sites could be holes in the ground, hollow trees, sheds, loft spaces or wall cavities.
Nest construction starts in spring and will reach its maximum size in September, when up to 10,000 workers may be present. An old nest is not used in subsequent years.
|Back to topWhat they eat
Wasps usually eat insects, which are mainly garden or household pests. They also feed on dustbin waste and animal carcasses.
Why wasps can be a pest
Wasps become a nuisance to humans mainly in late summer as the weather gets cooler when they become more likely to sting. A wasp, unlike a bee, can sting many times. Although the wasp sting is not normally serious, it can be very painful, and in certain cases can cause a severe reaction.
|Back to topWhat you can do to control the problem
Nests located in areas away from human contact can be left untreated. It should be remembered that wasps have a beneficial aspect as they kill many garden insect pests.
However, if it is necessary to destroy the nest, it is easy to do so. Wasps are generally easy to control if the nest is destroyed by applying a residual insecticide. This will be in either a dust or liquid form and is applied to the nest entrance or nearby so that wasps entering the nest are contaminated.
How the council can help
You are strongly recommended to seek professional help in dealing with a problem wasps nest. Haringey's Pest Control Team can provide this service at a moderate charge. Alternatively, commercial pest control companies are listed in local business directories. Consider the risks very carefully before attempting a treatment yourself. Wasps are very aggressive when their nest is threatened, and multiple stings may result if your protective clothing is inadequate.
if you do decide to treat the nest yourself, suitable products can be purchased from hardware shops and garden centres. You must first locate the entrance to the nest. Following the flight pattern of returning wasps may help. Treatment should be carried out very early and late in the day when activity is at a minimum. Apply the insecticide to the entrance of the nest, or directly on to the nest if it is visible. Keep well away from the treated nest for at least 24 hours.
Note: when using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label.
|Back to topBees
The most common species in this country are the honeybee, bumblebee, and masonry bee. Bees have important benefits, acting as pollinators of many fruit trees and other plants, and are not considered as pests.
Bees will sting people if they are strongly provoked.
Please note: The Council does not provide a control service for bees but can offer advice and has a list of bee-keepers who are able to help the public. Contact the Pest Control Team for more information.
Cost of treatment
£90 For Domestic Rate Clients who do not qualify for Means Tested Benefits.
£38 For any additional nests
£193 For Commercial Rate Clients and Landlords requesting the Service (No Ladder Required)
£31 For Concession Rate Clients who do qualify for the Specified Means Tested Benefits.
A course of treatment consists one appointment date. Two working days notice must be given if you wish to cancel an appointment. If you fail to give Two working days notice or miss an appointment and wish to re-book, a further charge will be made of:
- £31 For Domestic and Commercial Rate Clients
- £18 For Concession Rate Clients.
Contacts
We are here to help and advise so if you are unsure about a subject or wish to arrange a treatment, please contact us.
Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm
Tel 020 8489 1000 (Pest Control - Customer Care Line)
Address
Pest Control Team
Enforcement Response
Urban Environment
Units 271-272
Lee Valley Technopark
Ashley Road
Tottenham
N17 9LN
Fax 020 8489 5133
