Have I got an infestation?

steve_roberts

On warm days in the summer I can hear what sounds like cellophane rustling from the ceiling of a bedroom. It's a constant sound - it doesn't come and go, and only noticeable on warm days. It's quiet at night. I found a Youtube video of woodworm sounds, which is quite similar, so I'm thinking this is what the problem might be.
I've been up in the loft, but the sound is coming from the gable end and I'm not small/agile enough to get close. The loft is well ventilated, insulated and although we've had a few mice and wasps up there from time to time, it's largely been problem-free. The house was built in 1999. There's no evidence of borings or shavings from what I can see, and the ceiling is intact.


Opinions? What would you do next?

shaun_from_Africa

IMO, I would say that you have a wasp nest in your attic.

They make the sort of noise that you describe and they do settle down a fair bit and become less active at night.

Can you see the outside of the roof area near to where the noise is coming from? If so, you may well be able to see wasps coming and going.

steve_roberts

Thank you - that would make perfect sense: I've seen bloomin wasps coming through the downlighter apertures in the ceiling in the past and also appearing from apparently nowhere in rooms where the windows were shut.

Any suggestions about what to do? They're not harming anyone and not really a nuisance where they are, but could they be causing damage? What's the consensus opinion on wasps: good or bad?

FreeBear

They chew on rotten wood to build their nests with. As long as your roof timbers are dry, they won't rot, so the wasps will not normally cause any damage. If you do have damp, rotting roof timbers, you will have a bigger problem than a few wasps.

shaun_from_Africa

steve_roberts wrote: »

Any suggestions about what to do? They're not harming anyone and not really a nuisance where they are, but could they be causing damage? What's the consensus opinion on wasps: good or bad?

Unlikely to happen but:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2757800/Mother-s-horror-thousands-wasps-swarm-family-s-living-room-nest-fell-ceiling-toddler-played.html

I've had a few wasps nests in my attic, the last one being about 5 weeks ago. (and I heard exactly the same noise that you mentioned which is what alerted me).
Personally, I would say that you should get someone in to spray the nest.
They might not be a nuisance now but who knows what could happen if someone needs to go into your roof space to carry out some work.

It's not normally too expensive to get someone to spray the nest.
The last one cost me £30 for someone to go into my attic (dressed like a spaceman) and give the nest a good dosing of powder, and 24 hours later there wasn't a sign of a wasp anywhere.

steve_roberts

Thanks - all good advice- appreciate the input!