Wasps:

There are several varieties of wasp to be found in the UK the most common being the yellow and black ringed Common Wasp (Vespa Vulgaris). Adult workers measure 10–20 mm and the queen up to 20mm. These winged insects can sting several times and will attack in large numbers should their nest be disturbed. Nests can contain up to 10,000 wasps and so extreme caution is needed in eradication.

Lifecycle:

Solitary female queens awake from hibernation and begin nest building in spring fashioning hexagonal cells from chewed wood fibres and saliva. An undisturbed nest can reach 3-4ft in diameter and they are typically found in roof spaces, air-bricks, cavity walls, garden sheds, trees and even rockeries and flower beds. An egg is laid in each cell and the queen tends the larvae until they pupate and hatch as adult workers. The queen is then able to continue laying eggs while the workers tend to the needs of the growing colony.  A stream of wasps flying into and from a roof space, air bricks or out-buildings is an indication there may be a nest. 

Control:

Eradicating wasp’s nests is best done in the spring when the nest is small. However, it is commonly not found until the nest is a substantial size by which time there are large numbers of wasps. Removal of the nest is best undertaken by an experienced pest control professional.