Who is responsible for removing a wasps nest?

Quick Summary

The responsibility for removing wasps nests typically falls on the property owner. However, if the nest poses an imminent threat, the local council may be able to remove it. Professional pest control should be used for large or dangerous nests.

Who is legally responsible for removing wasps nests?

In the UK, the legal responsibility for pest control usually lies with the landowner or occupier. This means if there is a wasps nest on your property, you are legally responsible for having it removed.

There are some exceptions to this:

• If the nest is in a public area, the local council may remove it.
• If the nest is on shared land between properties, the cost and responsibility may be shared.
• If the nest poses a danger to the public, the local council can serve notice and remove it.

So in summary, the property owner or occupier is responsible unless it is deemed a public threat.

When should the local council get involved?

Local councils can get involved in removing wasps nests in certain situations:

• If the nest is on public land – councils are responsible for pest control on public property.
• If the nest poses a significant public health risk – councils have powers to remove threats to public health and safety.
• If the nest is unlikely to be removed by the landowner – councils can serve notice and remove nests if landowners fail to act.
• If asked by the landowner – some councils may remove nests on private property for a fee.

So in summary, councils can get involved if the nest is on public property, poses a public threat, or the landowner has failed to act.

Can I remove a nest myself?

Technically, a home or landowner can attempt to remove a wasps nest themselves:

• Small nests can sometimes be knocked down with a brush or stick.
• Insecticide sprays from hardware stores can kill nest occupants.
• Plugging entrance holes can suffocate nests over time.

However, there are some significant dangers with doing this:

• Wasps aggressively defend their nest and can sting repeatedly.
• Nests can contain hundreds of wasps which may swarm.
• Wasps can sting through light clothing and deliver painful venom.
• Dead nests still contain traces of venom and spores.
• Insecticide sprays can be hazardous to health.

For these reasons, professional pest control is nearly always recommended, especially for large nests.

When should I call professional pest control?

Calling a professional pest controller is advisable in most situations:

• For large nests or those in hard to reach places.
• If multiple nests are found on your property.
• If the nest is near humans or pets.
• If you are allergic to stings.
• If you have tried and failed to remove it yourself.
• If you do not feel confident removing it safely.

Professionals have specialized equipment, protective clothing, and skills to remove nests safely and effectively. They can also properly dispose of nest contents.

Cost of professional wasp nest removal

The cost of professional wasp nest removal depends on several factors:

• Location and size of the nest – More difficult to reach nests cost more.
• Type of nest – Ground nests are cheaper than aerial nests to remove.
• Number of nests – Multiple nests increases the cost.
• Company and region – Prices range from £50 – £200 per nest on average.

Most pest controllers provide free estimates. Here are typical average costs:

Nest Type	Typical Cost
Small ground nest	£50 – £80
Medium aerial nest	£80 – £150
Large aerial nest	£150 – £200
Multiple nests	£200+

So in summary, expect to pay £50 – £200 depending on nest size, location and number. Professional removal is a small price for safely eliminating a wasp hazard.

When to remove nests?

The ideal time to remove a wasps nest is late evening or night, when most wasps are in the nest and less active. Cooler temperatures also make them slower and less aggressive.

Other tips include:

• Avoid dawn or dusk when wasps are most active.
• Choose a dry day, as wasps are more docile in dry weather.
• Late summer or fall is better, when nests are declining.
• Treat at the start or end of the season to prevent rebuilding.
• Remove nests as soon as spotted to prevent expansion.

It’s best to hire a professional pest controller to apply treatments at the optimal time for safety and effectiveness.

Preventing wasp nests

To help prevent wasp problems:

• Seal cracks and openings in walls, roofs, vents, and overhangs.
• Install fine mesh screens on windows, vents, and weep holes.
• Keep yards and gardens free of rubbish and piles of wood.
• Clean up fallen fruit from trees.
• Install wasp traps or lure traps in spring.
• Inspect property sealing and traps regularly.

Stopping wasps from building nests in the first place is the best approach. Professional pest control can also apply preventative residual treatments if nests were an issue in prior seasons.

Conclusion

Property owners are generally responsible for removing wasp nests on their land. Local councils may provide assistance if nests pose a public threat. While DIY removal is possible, professional pest control is the safest and most effective approach in most cases. Calling a pest professional as soon as a nest appears is recommended to resolve the issue promptly and prevent expansion or rebuilding.