Wasps in the Workplace: Prevent Problems and Manage Wasp Nests

When Are Wasps a Problem?

Wasps are a natural part of the environment. They hunt other insects and can contribute to pollination. Seeing wasps outdoors does not automatically mean they need to be controlled.

Problems typically arise when they come into close contact with people. This may happen on a restaurant terrace, near waste storage areas, or at entrances with high foot traffic.

Wasps may sting if they feel threatened, particularly near their nest. A wasp sting is usually painful and can cause redness and swelling. For people with a wasp allergy, the reaction can be serious.

If wasps have built a nest in an area where people are likely to come close to it, action may be necessary.

Signs That You Have a Wasp Nest

Wasp nests are not always easy to spot. Some nests are visible beneath roof overhangs, while others are hidden inside walls, attics, or in the ground.

Watch out for:

• Large numbers of wasps in the same area: If there is suddenly an unusually high number of wasps around a building, there may be a nest nearby.
• Wasps flying in and out: Repeated movement through a crack in a wall, beneath a roof, or into a hole in the ground may indicate a nest.
• Visible nests: Wasp nests may be found under roof overhangs, inside storage buildings, in attics, or in other sheltered locations.
• Wasps around food and waste: Large numbers of wasps near bins, food waste, or outdoor dining areas indicate that something is attracting them. This does not necessarily mean the nest is located there.

If you suspect a wasp nest, observe the area from a safe distance. Do not disturb the nest or try to inspect it closely.

How to Prevent Problems with Wasps

It is impossible to keep every wasp away from an outdoor area, but there are several ways to reduce the risk of problems.

For restaurants, cafés, hotels, and other businesses with outdoor seating, prevention is largely about maintaining cleanliness and limiting access to things that attract wasps.

• Cover food and drinks: Do not leave sugary drinks, fruit, or other food exposed longer than necessary.
• Keep outdoor seating areas clean: Remove food waste and wipe up spills from tables and surfaces.
• Check waste bins: Use bins with properly functioning lids and empty them regularly.
• Remove fallen fruit: If fruit trees are nearby, overripe fruit on the ground can attract wasps.
• Use insect screens: Window and door insect screens can help prevent wasps from entering buildings.
• Inspect the building: Look for developing nests around roof overhangs, storage areas, and other sheltered locations.

If a wasp comes close, remain calm and avoid swatting at it.

How to Handle Wasp Problems

The appropriate response depends on whether you are dealing with individual wasps searching for food or a wasp nest located near people.

1. Identify What Is Attracting the Wasps

Start by inspecting the location where wasps are gathering.

Are there open bins, food scraps, spilled drinks, or fallen fruit? If so, removing these attractants may significantly reduce the problem.

If wasps repeatedly fly to the same opening in the building, there may be a nest inside.

2. Assess Whether the Nest Needs to Be Removed

A wasp nest in an isolated location does not necessarily need to be removed.

However, if the nest is close to an entrance, outdoor dining area, pathway, or another heavily used area, the risk of stings may be greater.

Do not attempt to break open, block, or move an active wasp nest. Wasps may respond by aggressively defending it.

If the nest is difficult to access or you are unsure how to deal with it safely, contact a pest control professional.

3. Use the Right Products

Products designed for wasp control are available, including wasp sprays and wasp foams.

Before using any pesticide, make sure the product is approved for the intended use. Always read the label and follow all instructions, including any certification requirements and safety precautions.

Do not use pesticides near food, guests, or work areas in ways that violate the product's instructions.

For large nests, hard-to-reach locations, or situations where people could be stung, pest control should be left to trained professionals.

What Should You Do If Someone Is Stung?

A wasp sting often causes pain, redness, and swelling around the affected area. For most people, symptoms improve without special treatment.

Cooling the area may help reduce discomfort. Continue to monitor for signs of a more serious reaction.

Call emergency services immediately if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, or serious swelling.

If someone is stung in the mouth or throat, medical attention should be sought immediately, as swelling may interfere with breathing.

People with a known wasp allergy should follow their prescribed emergency treatment plan.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

If wasps have built a nest near an outdoor dining area, entrance, or another location where staff and visitors spend time, it may be appropriate to hire professional pest control services.

This is especially important if the nest is large, difficult to access, or poses a risk to customers or employees.

Professional pest control services can assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate and safe solution for your business.