In brief: A wasp nest is made from paper-like material that worker wasps chew from weathered wood. In spring, the queen builds the first cells and raises the first brood. Those wasps then take over building the nest. In autumn, the colony dies, and only the young queens overwinter. Many nests are harmless. Take action only if someone in your household has a wasp allergy or the nest is right next to a living area.
How do wasps build their nests?
Wasps are paper architects: they make their own building material. Worker wasps gnaw weathered wood, mix it with saliva and shape it into a paper-like pulp.
This creates the nest's characteristic honeycomb structure. In spring, the queen builds the first cells, lays her eggs in them and feeds the larvae after they hatch.
The first generation then takes over expanding the nest. It grows in layers, with each new outer layer protecting the honeycomb underneath.
You will often find German wasp and common wasp nests underground, in mouse holes or in dark, sheltered spots such as roller shutter boxes. Hornets usually build their nests in hollow trees.
Expert tip
If you find an abandoned nest in autumn, you can carefully remove it. It will be empty and dry. Wear gloves. Removing it means there will be no old nest nearby next spring.
When does a wasp nest become a problem in the garden?
Not every nest is a problem. Many species are shy and cause no trouble. Wasps become a problem when they seriously disrupt your time in the garden or pose a danger.
This is the case if someone in your household has a wasp allergy. A sting can be life-threatening for them. You should also take action if a nest is right beside a frequently used path, patio door or children's play area.
In Garden + Plant Accessories you will also find products to help keep wasps away. A nest well away from your home or in a hedge is often harmless. Wasps pollinate plants and eat pests.
How to identify the two most troublesome wasp species
German wasps and common wasps are the species most likely to cause a nuisance. You can identify them by their black-and-yellow markings. These wasps are attracted to food.
They are the ones that hover around your barbecue food. They often build their nests underground or in cavities in buildings, where it is easy to disturb them by accident.
A healthy wasp colony catches up to half a kilogram of insects per day. This makes wasps valuable helpers in natural pest control.
How should you deal with a wasp nest?
Stay calm. Sudden movements can make wasps aggressive. Watch their flight path from a safe distance to locate the nest entrance.
Mark the area and keep children and pets away. Avoid causing vibrations near the nest or on the ground above it.
If you need to work nearby, do it in the evening or at night, when all the wasps are in the nest and less active. The right garden tools let you work precisely and avoid unnecessary disturbance.
Important note
Never try to remove an occupied nest yourself using water, fire or insect spray. This can trigger a mass attack by the colony and is against the law. You could put yourself and others at risk.
Professional wasp nest removal: process and costs
Contact a professional pest controller or a beekeeper licensed to relocate nests. They can assess the situation. Relocation is often possible, especially for protected hornets.
The professional usually arrives at dusk or during the night and anaesthetises the wasps with a special gas. The nest can then be removed whole. For underground nests, the area is often vacuumed.
For nests in cavities, the access point is sealed after the wasps have been anaesthetised. As the property owner, you pay the cost yourself. Get several quotes.
When does the fire department cover the costs?
The fire department responds only in an absolute emergency: an immediate, acute danger to people. A nest in a child's bedroom or above the front door of someone with a wasp allergy may be enough to warrant a call.
In most cases, however, the fire department is not responsible and will refer you to a specialist company. Ask your local authority about the exact rules.
Relocation makes sense only if the nest is not too large and the new location is suitable. Often, leaving the nest in place is better for protecting the species.
How to deter wasps and keep them away without removing the nest
You do not need to have every nest removed. Often, it is enough to keep wasps away from your seating area. Natural methods and practical products can help.
One proven option is a wasp nest decoy, which mimics a rival colony's territory. Real wasps may then avoid the area to prevent conflict. The
offers this solution with two decoys for different locations.
Plant fragrant herbs such as lavender, thyme or mint near your patio. Their scent can deter many insects. Keep your garden clean: remove fallen fruit promptly and cover compost heaps.
Additional advice
Avoid traditional wasp traps made with juice or beer. They kill wasps painfully and can attract even more of them. Closed live traps are a better option, as they let you release the wasps later at a safe distance.
Practical helpers for a garden with fewer wasps
The right equipment can make it easier to work around wasps. With the
, the "Wunderschere", you can cut branches and hedges precisely. This helps you avoid disturbing a hidden nest while pruning.
A layer of dense garden fleece over your compost or strawberry bed can stop wasps from getting in as they search for food.
Store your garden furniture under a sturdy garden furniture cover in winter. This helps prevent sheltered cavities from becoming nesting sites next spring.
Plan your garden equipment storage to leave as few dark niches as possible. A tidy garden is less attractive to queen wasps looking for a nesting site.
After the Season: An Empty Wasp Nest
By late fall, the wasps have stopped flying. Frost kills off the entire colony, leaving only the delicate paper nest behind. You can safely remove it now.
Carefully detach the nest, wearing gloves for hygiene. Dispose of it in the yard waste bag. This helps keep parasites and other insects from taking over the old nest.
Next, seal the nesting site. Fill underground nests with soil. Cover openings in roller shutter housings with fine-mesh wire. This helps stop a new queen from moving in next spring.
It’s often possible to live alongside wasps peacefully. With knowledge, respect and the right products, you can enjoy your garden while protecting beneficial insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I remove a wasp nest myself?
- No. Wasps are protected by wildlife laws. Removing or killing them without authorization may be illegal. Hire a professional pest control service or beekeeper. They can tell you when relocation is possible and when the nest needs to be removed by a professional.
- How long does a wasp nest stay active?
- A wasp colony lasts for just one season. The queen starts the nest in April or May. The colony reaches its peak in August or September. The first frosts kill off the colony. The abandoned nest won’t be reused.
- Which wasps are most aggressive?
- German wasps and common wasps may react aggressively if disturbed near their nest. Hornets, by contrast, are often more docile. Wasps that bother you at the patio table are usually looking for food, not a fight.
- How can I keep wasps away from my patio?
- Cover food and sugary drinks. Try special wasp traps or a wasp nest decoy such as PRODUCT_72977. Plants such as tomatoes, lavender or basil on the table may also help deter wasps. Promptly clear away any fallen fruit in the garden.
- How much does professional wasp nest removal cost?
- It usually costs between 80 and 150 euros, depending on the nest’s size and how easy it is to reach. Some local authorities or fire departments offer free or discounted service when people are at risk. Check with your local government.
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- Wasps Under the Roof: Prevent Damage and Remove Nests
- Wasp Nest Decoy vs. Home Remedies: What Keeps Wasps Away?
- Ground-Nesting Wasps in the Garden: Relocate or Control Them?