Wasp Nests Under Roof Tiles – A Common Problem for Gunthorpe Homes
Builders and roofers sometimes uncover a wasp nest halfway through a repair, and the right move is to stop, climb down and get the colony treated before work resumes.
When the job turns up a surprise
It happens more often than people expect. A roofer lifts a tile to replace a cracked one, or a builder pulls off a length of fascia, and out come the wasps. Usually there is a shout, a hasty retreat down the ladder and a very awkward conversation in the driveway about what to do next. The nest was hidden until the work disturbed it, and now there is an angry colony and a half-finished job.
If this has happened at your property in Gunthorpe, the first rule is to leave the roof exactly as it is for the moment. Do not let anyone go back up to tidy things away, cover the hole or finish the repair. Everyone should move away from the building, particularly from the side where the work was taking place, and stay clear until the situation is calmer.
Why a roofer should not carry on regardless
Some tradespeople are tempted to carry on, on the basis that the wasps will settle. That is a gamble. A colony that has been broken open will defend its nest vigorously, and the person on the roof has limited room to retreat. Fixings, tools and tiles are all at hand, and a startled worker stung on the neck can lose balance in an instant.
- A disturbed nest releases defending wasps in numbers, not one or two.
- Roofers are working at height and have their hands full.
- Wasps that cannot find the nest entrance may fly into the loft or the rooms below.
- Covering the opening again simply traps agitated insects inside the structure.
A sensible contractor will stop and ask you to arrange the treatment before returning. That is not a failure on their part; it is the safest approach for them and for you.
What to do straight away
Keep calm and keep people away. Ask the tradesperson to come down by the safest route, leave tools where they lie, and not retrieve anything until the wasps have settled. Close the windows on that side of the house and keep children and pets indoors or well away from the garden below the opening. If wasps have started to enter the loft or a bedroom, shut the door to that room.
If anyone has been stung, wash the area, remove the sting if you can see it and apply a cold pack. Dial 999 if the person develops swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing or trouble breathing, dizziness or a widespread rash. Those with a known allergy are best advised by their GP, and should mention it to us at booking.
Who pays and who arranges it
The question of who organises the treatment, you or the contractor, depends on what you agreed with them, so check your quote or contract. Some people find that their contractor expects the homeowner to deal with the wasps first, while others include it in the arrangements. Sort that out calmly later. At this stage, the important thing is that the nest is treated promptly.
If the building is rented, you will also need to let the landlord or managing agent know, and whether the cost falls to you or to them depends on your tenancy agreement. Take a photograph of the exposed area from a safe distance, as it will be useful for the roofer, the landlord and for us.
It also helps to understand what a roofer is likely to say. Many will be glad you called a specialist, and will happily return once the nest has been dealt with. Ask them for a revised date, and ask whether the exposed area can be covered safely in the meantime without going near the nest. If it rains, a temporary covering is worth having, but it must be put on by someone who can do so without disturbing the wasps, and it should never block the place they are using to get in and out.
Keep an eye on the weather, too. Warm, still days are when wasps fly most, so the area around the opening will be at its busiest then. A cooler, wetter day will look calmer, but the colony remains inside. Do not take that as a sign that the roofer can go back up.
Finally, think about the neighbours. A broken nest can send wasps into adjoining gardens, so a quick word over the fence is a courtesy and a safety measure. It also saves the awkwardness of a neighbour finding out the hard way.
What happens when we visit
You will be asked where the work was under way, how much of the roof is open and whether wasps are entering the house. The technician treats the nest and, if you ask, can tell you whether the empty nest can be taken down. Because part of the roof is already exposed, it is worth telling us if there is any temporary cover, such as sheeting, so the technician knows what to expect.
After the visit, wait for the all-clear before the roofer returns. They can then finish the repair and seal everything properly, which also closes the gap that let the wasps in.
Fixed price, no surprises
Treatment is a fixed £95 per nest, and an additional nest on the same property is £35 each. There is no call-out charge, and the price is confirmed on the phone before the technician visits, with no work done until you agree. We are open seven days a week, we offer same-day service, and we work for both householders and commercial customers. You will have a trained technician at the door, working under full insurance.
Ring us on 0115 937 5117, or use the contact page if you would rather book online. Tell us what the roofer found and what state the roof is in, and let us know about any allergy in the household when you book.
Wasps on your property in Gunthorpe?
Fixed price £95 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.