Wasp nest: what to do?
Under the roof, in the ground, behind a shutter… Identify the nest and get a professional to intervene in a few clicks.
In Belgium as in France, wasp nests (common and German wasps) develop from spring onwards and reach their maximum size in summer, with up to several thousand individuals. They are found under roofs, in shutter boxes, hedges, garden sheds or directly in the ground.
An active nest near a busy area presents a real risk of stings, especially for children and allergic persons. The earlier in the season the nest is treated, the simpler and faster the intervention.
Reports on WASPP in 2026
11
reported nests
7
treated nests
Identify a wasp nest
- •Size : wasp 11 to 18 mm; nest from a few centimetres in spring to over 50 cm by late summer
- •Colour : bright yellow body striped with black, clearly marked narrow waist
- •Nest : grey papier-mâché appearance, hidden in a shelter: roof, shutter box, hedge, cavity in the ground
- •Activity : continuous coming and going at a single entry point, peak activity at the height of summer
Is a wasp nest dangerous?
Wasps defend their nest: any vibration or blocking of the entrance can trigger a series of stings. The risk is serious when the nest is close to a door, terrace or window, or in case of venom allergy. Never block a nest's entrance: the wasps will look for another way out, sometimes into the house.
✓ Do
- Keep your distance (at least 5 m)
- Photograph from a distance if possible
- Report immediately on WASPP
- Call a certified professional
✗ Don't
- Try to destroy the nest yourself
- Spray with water, petrol or pesticide
- Use a ladder or aerial platform without PPE
- Approach closer than 5 m
Good to know
A wasp nest is never reused the following year: the colony dies in autumn and only the future queens overwinter. Also take care not to confuse wasps with bees: bees are protected, and a bee swarm must be collected by a beekeeper, not destroyed.
Who to call for a wasp nest?
Fire services no longer routinely attend a wasp nest at a private home: they mainly intervene in case of immediate danger or in a public place. For a nest on a home, a pest control professional treats the nest. By reporting your nest on WASPP, you are connected free of charge with a certified professional active in your municipality, who gets back to you quickly.
How to get rid of a wasp nest?
Never try to treat an active nest yourself: over-the-counter insecticide sprays are ineffective on a large colony and trigger a collective attack. A professional identifies the species, applies a suitable product directly at the nest entrance and neutralises the colony within a few hours, with no risk to your family. The earlier in the season the nest is treated, the simpler the intervention.
Wasp nest in the ground, the roof or a shutter
In the ground (bank, old burrow, lawn): the danger comes from mowing or gardening that makes the nest vibrate. Under the roof or in the loft: this is the most common location, often spotted by insects coming and going under a tile or a gutter. In a shutter box or behind a shutter: the nest is very close to living spaces, have it treated without delay. In all cases, never block the nest entrance: the wasps would look for another way out, sometimes indoors.
Frequently asked questions
Identify other species
Not sure about the species? Check our other identification guides.
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