Quick facts
- Common species
- Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and German wasp (Vespula germanica)
- Season
- Queens start nests in spring; colonies peak late summer; nests die off in autumn
- Nest size
- From a golf ball in spring to a football or larger by August
- Sting
- Wasps can sting repeatedly, and become more irritable in late summer
- Nests found in
- Lofts, eaves, sheds, wall cavities, air bricks, hedges, and underground
How to identify wasps
Wasps have bright yellow and black bodies with a narrow waist and smooth, hairless bodies. They are often mistaken for bees, but honeybees are fuzzy and rounder, and bumblebees are large and furry. Honeybees and bumblebees are important pollinators and should not be killed.
Common wasp nests are made of a papery material from chewed wood, with a grey, layered appearance. They are often in lofts, wall cavities, sheds and garden hollows.
Signs of wasps in your home
- A steady stream of wasps flying in and out of one spot in a roof, wall or hole in the ground
- A grey papery nest in a loft, shed or tree
- A scratching or buzzing sound in walls or ceilings
- Chewed wood or wallpaper marks where wasps gather material
- Wasps becoming more aggressive around food and drink in late summer
Risks and damage
Wasp stings are painful and can cause serious allergic reactions in some people. If someone has swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness or collapse after a sting, call 999. Disturbing a nest, or blocking its entrance, can provoke attack.
Why wasps come into properties
Wasps choose sheltered, dry spaces. Queens begin nests in spring, workers raise the colony through summer, and numbers peak in late summer when they hunt for sugar.
How to prevent wasps
- Seal gaps in roofs, soffits and walls in early spring before queens settle
- Inspect lofts and sheds for early nests, which are small
- Keep sugary drinks, fruit and food covered outdoors in summer
- Keep bins tightly closed and rinse recyclables
- Do not try to block or spray a nest entrance yourself
Professional wasp nest removal by Southwark Pests
Wasp nest treatment is usually a single visit. The technician applies an insecticidal dust or spray to the nest entrance, which workers carry into the nest, and the colony dies off over the following hours or days. Protective equipment is essential. Nests in lofts and cavities are often left to decay, and the technician will advise whether removal is needed.
Do not attempt to remove a nest yourself, spray into the entrance with household products or block it. Disturbed wasps may find a new way into the building, which is how they end up inside rooms.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if you find a nest at or near the house, if anyone is allergic, or if wasps are entering the building. Seek emergency help for signs of anaphylaxis.
Wasp nest removal across Southwark and London
From late June to September we treat wasp nests in eaves, air bricks, lofts, sheds and garden hedges across South London, from Victorian terraces in Brockley to semis in Bexleyheath. We cover South London, Central London (the City, the West End and Westminster), East London out to Stratford and Newham, and nearby parts of Kent, from our base at South Dock Marina in SE16. A standard visit is £90, and you can book online or call 020 8050 2022.
- Southwark
- Bermondsey
- Peckham
- Camberwell
- Rotherhithe
- Lambeth
- Brixton
- Lewisham
- Greenwich
- Bromley
- Bexley
- Kent
- Central London
- City of London
- Westminster
- East London
- Tower Hamlets
- Hackney
- Newham
- All areas
Wasp nest removal: questions and answers
Will a wasp nest die in the winter?
Yes. Colonies die in autumn and the nest is not reused, though queens hibernate and start new nests in spring.
Should I wait for the nest to die naturally?
If it is away from where people go, you may choose to. Nests near doors, lofts and play areas are best treated, as late-summer wasps can be aggressive.
How can I tell wasps from bees?
Wasps are smooth with bright, defined yellow and black stripes. Honeybees are fuzzy and golden-brown, and bumblebees are large and furry. Do not harm bees.
What about hornets?
The European hornet is larger and fairly rare in London. The Asian hornet is an invasive species. If you think you have seen one, report it through the Asian Hornet Watch app or the Non-native Species Secretariat.
How quickly does treatment work?
Wasps in the nest die within hours to a couple of days. You may still see some returning to the site temporarily.
Is it safe to stay in the house?
Usually yes, but keep windows shut and avoid the affected area until the technician says it is safe.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.