How to recognise them
Common wasp and paper wasp
Paper nests under gutters, in roller shutters and shutter boxes, in the ground or in walls.
European hornet
Large, yellow and brown. Nests in tree hollows, lofts and chimneys.
Vespa velutina (Asian hornet)
Dark with yellow legs, an invasive species found in western Liguria. Builds large round nests high up in trees and attacks bees.
Warning signs not to ignore
- Constant coming and going of wasps from the same spot (roller shutter, hole in the wall, gutter)
- Grey or brown paper nest, shaped like an umbrella or a ball
- Buzzing inside a wall, a shutter box or the false ceiling
- Wasps hovering around beehives (possibly Vespa velutina)
Why they are a problem
- Multiple stings, dangerous for people with allergies (risk of anaphylactic shock)
- Sudden attacks if the nest is knocked, for example when opening a roller shutter or cutting a hedge
- Vespa velutina is a serious threat to bees and beekeepers
How we work
- AssessmentOver the phone or with a site inspection, we identify the species and the position and height of the nest.
- NeutralisationWearing protective suits and using specific products, we neutralise the colony, even inside walls and shutter boxes.
- RemovalWhere possible we remove the nest, even at height.
- PreventionWe tell you how to stop them nesting in the same spot again.
What you can do to prevent them
- At the end of winter, check lofts, shutter boxes and roller shutters: newly started nests are small and easy to remove
- Close holes in walls and in roller shutter boxes
- Don't leave ripe fruit and sugary drinks outdoors
- Never try to burn or soak a nest: you risk stings and fires
Send us a photo: we'll identify it and tell you what to do.
FAQ
How much does it cost to remove a wasp nest?
It depends on where it is and how high: a nest in a roller shutter is different from one 15 metres up a tree. Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we will give you an idea straight away.
Do wasps and hornets die off on their own in winter?
Yes, in winter the colony dies and the nest is abandoned, but from spring to October it grows every week. The sooner it is dealt with, the easier it is.
Do you remove bees?
Bees are protected and very useful: if there is a swarm, we contact a local beekeeper to collect it.