We are frequently asked a number of questions about wasps and their control. Here are our answers…

How does Wasp Spray work?

Wasp spray is something we all used before or at least we had seen someone spraying it. This is a product we feel familiar with and have easy access to.

Wasp spray has two effects:

• Attacks the nervous system and prevents crucial biological functions
• Causes paralysis

Both the muscle contractions and the paralysis cause the wasp to fall to the ground immediately. It’s why sprays seemingly cause death mid-flight to these stinging bugs! But that’s not all.

Wasp sprays really hurt these bugs! First it gives them a heart attack, paralysis, and suffocation. All that happens very quickly after the active wasp spray ingredients get on the body, leaving very little chance for survival.

Wasp spray’s ingredients and formulas can vary, but most utilise specific types of insecticide chemicals. These include pyrethroids and pyrethrins or carbamates and organophosphates. This is a more aggressive method than keeping wasps away with scents they hate, but it’s definitely more effective.

Pyrethroids and pyrethrins are, by far, the most commonly used wasp spray ingredients. They are a class of chemicals that produce the signature instant-kill effect.

How does Wasp Powder work?

Wasp powder works differently to Wasp Spray. It is not attacking the wasps one by one but attacking the whole nest from the inside.

You use this product when you have no access to the entry of the wasp nest or it is not visible to you, however you can see the path of the wasps and know where they fly in and out from.

The powder needs to be applied to the entry point so that the wasps will then bring the powder back to the nest on their legs and wings which will result in the nest to be destroyed.

When is the best time to remove a wasp nest?

Wasp nests should be removed in late spring and early summer. The end of the wasps’ hibernation state is in the early spring. The Queen starts her new colony this time of the year and the nests are still small and focused on growth. If you want to remove the nest without harming the wasps this is the best time to do so.

The best time during the day to remove a wasp nest is at sunrise or at dusk. This is the time when wasps are the least active.

How much does it cost to remove a wasp nest in Scotland?

The price really depends on the location and the size of the nest. Without knowing the exact details, it’s hard to put a price tag on the service. Please give us a quick call and we will be able to tell you how much it would be.

It can take anything from 20 min to 1 hour depending on the size.

Does Falkirk Council provide Wasp Nest Removal?

Falkirk Council does not provide a pest control service.  It is your responsibility to arrange for a private pest control company to deal with wasp nest removal. Alternatively, you can purchase wasp sprays and wasp powders from hardware stores and garden centres to treat the infestation. Always ensure you follow the instructions on the product label carefully.

Additional councils in Central Scotland that may be able to help with wasp nest removal:

Clackmannanshire Council
www.clacks.gov.uk
01259 450000

West Lothian Council
www.westlothian.gov.uk
01506 280000

Edinburgh Council
www.edinburgh.gov.uk
0131200 2300 (customer service)

North Lanarkshire Council
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
01698403 200

Stirling Council 
www.stirling.gov.uk
01786404040

What to do to prevent wasps in your garden?

Naturally you want to use the least amount of chemicals in your garden around your plants and animals as possible.

Good news is that there are natural ways to repel wasps from your garden.

• Make your own natural wasp repellent: Mix clove, lemongrass and geranium essential oils and apply it to outer walls and crevices to keep wasps away. Wasps don’t like peppermint oil, either, so you can use that as well!
• Avoid planting bright coloured flowers – Wasps are attracted to strong and bright coloured flowers such as marigolds and dahlias.
• Keep your food and drinks indoors or covered – wasps love sweets, so when it comes to juices, cakes, jams and cocktails, best practice is to keep them away and not accessible.
• Burn citronella candles – citronella is a great natural repellant for all insects. Many garden centres keep these candles on their shelves.
• Remember to switch the outside lights off – light attracts insects and that includes wasps as well.
• Place wasps traps – you need an empty bottle and some water and sugar. Put some water and sugar mix in a bottle with a small opening. The insects will get trapped inside.
• Call the professionals – they will know what to do and will get rid of the wasps in the safest way possible. If you don’t want to hurt the wasps make sure you let the company know so that they can use the least harmful products.