Wasp & hornet pest control in Hereford, Mid Wales & Monmouth
wasp pests
vanquishing the vespa!
Encountering wasps around your property, especially in numbers, can be unnerving.
The most common species being the Common Wasp or 'Yellow Jacket' (Vespula vulgaris) and the German Wasp (Vespula germanica). The only native species of hornet in the UK is the European hornet (Vespa crabro), which is larger than most wasps and has a reddish-brown and yellow striped abdomen.
The recently arrived Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina) is beginning to gain a foothold in the UK, but should NOT be confused with the Giant Asian Hornet or 'Murder Hornet' which is restricted to the mountains and forests of South East Asia and cannot arrive here naturally.
BONUS: Click here to identify the species
The most noticable identifying feature of Asian hornets are their bright yellow legs. . . (which accounts for their other common name of 'yellow legged hornets')
Their abdomen is mostly black, except for the fourth segment, which has a dark yellow band. Its face is orange with brownish red compound eyes and, of course, those very fetching legs!
A note from Cliff at Surepest: In defence of the 9,000 domestic species of wasp (the vast majority of which do not sting!), each has a place and purpose. As nectar feeders, they are important pollinators and perform a natural pest control function, with the female workers gathering huge numbers of insects, predominantly aphids and black fly. Wasps will also take carrion, which helps in the cycle of decomposition.
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Remember; Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times because their stinger is not barbed and does not detatch after delivering its venom.
Fortunately, wasps typically only sting in self-defense. . . when they feel threatened or to protect their nest. They may occasionally sting if disturbed by sharp movements or loud noises, indeed, most stings result from people 'swatting' them away. Be calm, move slowly and don't yell!
BONUS: MORE HORNET & WASP BEHAVIOURBoth Hornets and Wasps are far more active during late summer when they are foraging for food to sustain their colonies, which reach a maximum size around August. This, combined with a shift in dietary needs from protein to carbohydrates (particularly sugars), can lead to increased foraging activity and a greater presence of wasps around human food sources.
If you’ve noticed an increase in wasp activity, this could have a number of causes:
A nest is nearby: Wasps often build their nests in hidden spots, such as under roof eaves, inside wall cavities, or even underground, so just because you can't see a nest doesn't mean that there isn't one close by.
The wasps are busy foraging: Sometimes, what seems like an infestation is actually just wasps passing through your garden to their regular foraging location. Plants, flowers and prey insects may cause them to linger.
Wasps commonly follow a direct route back to their nest so, to determine if the wasps are just passing, or have a nest on your property, keep an eye out for repetitive flight paths. This crucial information can assist Surepest in determining the most effective treatment.
They may have been displaced: If their nest has been disturbed or destroyed, wasps may scatter and become more noticable as they search for a new home or foraging resources.
To reduce the risk to you and your family, always arrange for a professional wasp or hornet treatment that will eliminate the insects whilst keeping you safe from the threat of stings!
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If you experience an increase in wasp numbers but can't locate an obvious nest, don't let the situation worsen. Contact Cliff at Surepest as soon as possible for his professional advice.
call pestline! 07837 793 963
asian hornets
Although now well established across most of Europe, sightings of this invasive pest in the UK are increasing year on year. . . again, due to the warming of the climate and less severe, protracted, frosts. Numerous confirmed sightings were recorded in the Three Counties, Mid Wales and Birmingham during 2024.
The yellow legged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is not overly aggressive unless their nest is threatened, so they pose no greater risk to human health than our larger domestic European hornets. Asian Hornets do, however, represent a serious threat to domestic bee populations, with each marauding worker killing up to 50 honey bees every day!
how to report sightings
The Non-native Species Secretariat, operated by DEFRA, can accept reports of the Asian Hornet in an attempt to tackle the threat of such invasive species. Find out more at the Non-native species website.
Alternately, you can email details to; cliff@surepest.uk and Cliff will submit a report on your behalf.
likely fees & charges
For options and costs, see; WASP NEST REMOVAL
The following towns and villages are all within a 15 mile radius of Hereford and are therefore NOT subject to a fuel surcharge: Ross on Wye, Bromyard, Weobley, Leominster, Hay on Wye, Ledbury, Kingstone, Eardisley, Ewyas Harold and most of the Forest of Dean.
Just slightly further away, but still comfortably within Surepest's service area are; Worcester, Tewksbury, Gloucester, Newent and Monmouth.
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