As the year comes to an end, the wasps are gradually coming to an end too. Only a few fertilized young queens survive the winter. An orphaned wasp nest in and around the house can of course be disturbing and should be removed. We'll tell you how below.
How to remove wasp nests in winter?
Wasp nests can be removed in winter by removing the orphaned nest and cleaning the area thoroughly, e.g. with vinegar cleaner. To prevent resettlement, you can also rub the area with clove or lavender oil.
Problematic wasp nests
Especially the social wasps that form large states can become a problem for us humans. On the one hand, they are very numerous and present, especially in late summer, and can be quite annoying. On the other hand, nests that have been built in and around the house are sometimes critical for the use of the house. The following are particularly problematic and need to be removed:
- Wasp nests in the attic
- Wasp nests in the roller shutter box
Relatively uncritical: wasp nest in the attic
In roof truss niches, a wasp's nest actually doesn't cause any significant damage. There may be slight damage to the framework and from wasp droppings, but nothing that would affect load-bearing functions in any way. In addition, gnawing marks only affect wooden beams that are already somewhat rotten - despite their powerful mouth tools, fresh, superficially solid wood is too hard for the wasps to collect nest building material.
You can or should still remove the orphaned nest in winter. There is no danger of a new colonization next spring, as the young queens that have overwintered usually look for a new location. However, you can prevent other insects from nesting in the abandoned breeding chambers and causing problems in turn.
After removing the nest remains, you should clean the area well, for example with vinegar cleaner, so that young queens from another state do not notice the familiar smell of their own species and feel invited to settle there. To prevent new settlements even more effectively, you can also rub the area with clove or lavender oil.
A little more critical: In the roller shutter box
A wasp's nest in the roller shutter box is usually necessary because it can affect the function of the roller shutter. The removal is of course a little more complicated because the roller shutter box has to be opened. The same rules apply to removal and cleaning as for the case in the attic. To prevent other wasps from finding their way back into the roller shutter box, you should pay attention to any cracks in the plaster when cleaning and close them.
