Huge wasp's nest in newly-bought house

tetrarch

It took a few weeks and a long ladder to get into the loft and the news is mixed.

The loft IS insulated (and quite well) despite the EPC guy assuming that it wasn't. However, there is an enormous wasp's nest in the eaves. It is almost spherical and getting on for 2 ft in diameter. Obviously (hopefully?)  it is unoccupied currently. Is there anything I need to do about it? I am likely having the whole roof replaced within 6 months so, in theory removal could wait but I'm worried that it could be reoccupied when the spring comes.

Any help welcomed

Regards

Tet

DiddyDavies

From what I believe, wasps never reuse an old nest so provided that it is empty now, you shouldn't have any problem with it later in the year but it might make sense to have it removed prior to getting the roof work carried out as the roofers may still refuse to do the job if they see a nest of that size there.

danrv

Yes. It won’t be reused. 
I had a 1m wide hornet’s nest in my last property. Got a clearance chap to take it away. 
Took several carrier bags.

TELLIT01

If it's not in use you can remove it yourself.  Just lay plastic beneath it to catch any bits and then put it into binbags.

DiddyDavies

If you remove it yourself, it would be a good idea to make sure that you are wearing a mask when doing so as when you break it up, it can get very dusty and you don't know if the previous occupant of your house got someone in to spray the nest and if they did, there might still be a lot of the insecticide on and in it.

greatcrested

At this time of year it will be unoccupied.

All wasps die in autumn except the queens who find a cosy place to hibernate for the winter.

Come spring, they start building a brand new nest - never the same one (though they might use the same attic).

I'd leave it till you get the roof done, but up to you really. Is it in the way?

EssexExile

Just leave it.

Apodemus

EssexExile said:

Just leave it.

Absolutely!  If you remove it, you just leave a space that wasps might come back to.  With it there it will act as a deterrent to any wasps checking out the location in future.

tetrarch

greatcrested said:

I'd leave it till you get the roof done, but up to you really. Is it in the way?

Nope - I'll take the advice given and leave it in situ.

Just FEI - I did ping a request out to a google-searched company who kindly offered to remove it for 180 quid
I might pass....

Thanks all for the help and reassurance

Regards

Tet

greyteam1959

Beautifully made things they are.

TadleyBaggie

My house has been a favourite spot for wasp nests. Best one was when they decided to build one in the chimney. I have a very old (large) one in the loft from at least 10 years ago I keep meaning to remove but can't be bothered.