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Wasps

Home Wasps

 

Close up of a common wasp

Having problems with wasps?

Wasp removal and wasp nest treatments across Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Wasps can be aggressive, especially in late summer, posing risks of painful stings and allergic reactions. Our trained technicians treat nests safely and effectively, helping to eliminate wasps quickly while minimising disruption at your property.

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Professional Wasp Control Services in the UK

Wasps are one of the most common summer pests in the UK. While they play a useful role in controlling other insects, they can quickly become a nuisance around homes, gardens, pubs, cafés and workplaces — especially when nests form in roof spaces, wall cavities or outbuildings.

Understanding Wasps and Their Life Cycle

The queen overwinters and emerges in spring to start a new nest. Workers expand the nest through summer, and by late summer colonies can become large. As autumn arrives, the colony declines and new queens leave to overwinter — meaning nests are generally a one-season problem, but new nests may appear year after year in similar locations.

Where Do Wasps Build Nests?

  • Lofts, attics, roof voids and eaves
  • Sheds, garages and garden outbuildings
  • Wall cavities, air vents and behind cladding
  • Trees, bushes and hedgerows
  • Underground burrows

Why Wasps Become More Aggressive in Late Summer

Later in the season, worker wasps switch from hunting insects to seeking sugary foods. This is why they become more persistent around bins, fruit, soft drinks, and outdoor dining areas — and why stings are more likely when wasps feel threatened.

Safety note: If you’ve found a nest, do not attempt to block entrances, spray DIY products into the opening, or knock it down. Wasps will defend the nest aggressively.

Why Professional Treatment Is Recommended

Professional wasp nest treatments are designed to eliminate the colony quickly and safely, including nests in awkward or high locations. Our technicians use specialist products and application equipment to treat nests effectively without putting your household at risk.

Close-up of a British wasp
Common wasp on a surface
German wasp detailed view

Wasp Control FAQ

Wasps are stinging insects closely related to bees and ants. They play an important role in controlling insect populations but can become a nuisance, especially during summer when they seek sugary foods.
Wasps generally have a smooth, shiny body with a narrow “waist” between the thorax and abdomen, while bees are hairier and more rounded. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times.
Wasps build nests in sheltered areas such as lofts, attics, sheds, wall cavities, air vents, trees, bushes, and even underground burrows. The nests are made from chewed wood and saliva, creating a papery structure.
In late summer, wasp colonies stop feeding larvae and workers turn to sugary foods. With no nest duties to occupy them, they become more persistent around food and drink and are quicker to sting if disturbed.
Wasps are not known to transmit diseases to humans. The main risk comes from their sting, which can be painful and potentially dangerous for those with allergies.
Do not attempt to treat or remove a wasp nest yourself, as wasps will aggressively defend it. Professional pest control services, like Shire Pest Solutions, have the expertise and equipment to treat nests safely.
For most people, a sting causes pain, redness, and swelling that subsides within a few hours. Clean the area and apply a cold compress. If you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face and throat, seek emergency medical help immediately as it may be an allergic reaction.

More About Shire Pest Solutions

Shire Pest Solutions is a trusted and local pest control company proudly serving homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond. We have built our reputation on professionalism, reliability, and fast response times, specialising in the safe and effective removal of pests including ants, wasps, rodents, bed bugs, and more.

Our expert technicians hold full qualifications and use the latest tools and treatments to resolve pest problems quickly and safely—without unnecessary disruption. Whether you face a minor domestic issue or a large-scale commercial infestation, we design our services to meet your needs with minimal fuss and maximum effectiveness.

Based locally, we regularly assist customers in Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Our knowledge of the local area enables us to provide rapid call-outs and treatments that are suited to the unique pest challenges of each location.

At Shire Pest Solutions, we don’t just eliminate pests—we stop them from returning. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and we dedicate ourselves to customer satisfaction, making us the go-to pest control provider for homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients alike.

Contact us today to arrange a call-out or find out more about our pest control services across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.