As the temperature begins to rise and we head ever closer to summer, you will start to notice an increase in the number of wasps flying around.

The bad news for anyone who has a phobia of these insects is that they’re here to stay for several months because they will have only just come out of hibernation and food sources are plentiful at this time of year. Do you want to get rid of wasps? Look no further….

The time when adult wasps start to die off is in the winter and there are a number of reasons for this.

· A lack of food during the colder months makes it difficult for them to survive which usually kills off the males
· Although Queen wasps hibernate throughout winter, this doesn’t make them immune to predators who may eat them (for example, spiders)
· If we are having a particularly warm winter, the Queens may come out of hibernation early but with limited food sources available at this time of year, they’re more likely to die of starvation

Wasp Prevention
A wasp infestation is unpleasant for a number of reasons but mainly because of the risk of being stung. The good news is, there’s plenty you can do to prevent them from nesting in your home or business premises in the first place.

· If you eat or drink outdoors, make sure you clear everything away at the end of the day. Any food debris left outside will attract wasps as well as any other pests on the hunt for food
· Clean up and food or drink spills immediately
· Store any rubbish in a bin with a lid which closes tightly
· Check your home and garden for nests in early spring. The earlier you identify a nest, the easier it is to remove because there will be fewer wasps
· Keep windows or doors shut to prevent wasps entering your home. If you enjoy the summer breeze, install nets over windows and doors so you can let the fresh air in without worrying about wasps and other bugs flying in

If You Already Have A Wasp Infestation
If you notice the odd wasp here or there, most supermarkets and hardware shops sell sprays which can be used to deter or kill them off. If you are looking for wasp nest removal a lot more care should be taken.

There are DIY products available to destroy wasp nests but please be careful because wasps become aggressive very quickly. Ensure you’re wearing protective clothing and keep children and animals well away from the area.

Try to tackle the problem at night because wasps are more docile at this time and it’s also the best way to ensure that worker and scout wasps have returned to the nest. Ensure you’re using a product that has been specifically designed to treat wasp nests. Anything else could be ineffective and you will aggravate them for no reason. What’s more, the chemicals could be harmful to other innocent wildlife.

Remember not to stand directly under the nest because this puts you in a very vulnerable position and also ensure you have a well-thought-out escape route because wasps will emerge from the nest and chances are you have no idea how many are hiding in there. Once you’ve sprayed the nest, leave it for a minimum of 24 hours before trying to remove it and then seal it tightly in a plastic bag and dispose of it in an outdoor bin with a secure lid.

If you think you have an infestation and need to get rid of wasps, we highly recommend calling a professional as this is the safest and most effective method of removal. Call Prokill today for more information or to book in for your free pest audit.