How to Remove a Wasp Nest from your Roof

The idea of removing a wasp nest can be a pretty daunting prospect. But don’t worry – so long as you take the right precautions and follow a recommended method, you can remove a wasp nest safely, quickly and easily.

So, if you’ve spotted a wasp nest on your roof, keep reading. Below, we have outlined the full, step by step process for removing a wasp nest from a roof. We’ve even broken it down into different areas of the roof, to make the process as safe and straightforward as possible.

What equipment do I need to remove a wasp nest from my roof?

• Protective clothing – including gloves, a face mask, a hat, long sleeves and full-length trousers. We would also recommend choosing clothes made of thick materials, such as denim or waterproof fabrics.
• Insecticide spray – make sure you choose a spray that is specifically designed to kill wasps.
• A sealant – such as wire mesh or silicone caulk, to block the entry point
• A ladder
• A plastic bag – to put the nest in
• A torch

What are the best ways to protect yourself from being stung when removing a wasp nest?

If not approached with care, removing a wasp nest can be a dangerous process.

So, it is important that you take the right precautionary measures, to keep the risk of being stung to a minimum.

• Wear protective clothing – ensuring that you cover your entire body.
• Choose protective clothing that is thick, and is made from tightly woven material.
• Wear a face mask – ensuring that your face and neck are covered.
• Use an insecticide spray – making sure you choose a spray that is specifically designed to kill wasps.
• Apply the insecticide spray carefully – when you use the insecticide spray, ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and keep a safe distance away.
• Make sure you have an escape route planned
• Move slowly, calmly and quietly – this will make the wasps less likely to respond with aggression when they sense you.
• Wait till the evening – at night, wasps are less active. This means that they are more likely to be in the nest.

How to remove a wasp nest from inside a roof

1. Identify the location of the nest, and mark out the area surrounding the entrance to the nest. 
2. Spray the insecticide spray directly into the entrance of the wasp nest. Make sure that you do not stand directly under the nest as you do so, otherwise the wasps will be more likely to attack you. 
3. Wait for at least 24 hours after you have sprayed the nest. 
4. Wearing your protective clothing, remove the nest, and carefully place it into a plastic bag, before sealing. 
5. Dispose of the nest in a sealed bin. 
6. Seal the entry point of the nest, blocking the entrance using either wire mesh or silicone caulk. This will prevent the wasps from coming back to the same spot. 

How to remove a wasp nest from the outside of a roof

Typically, wasps nests on the outside of a roof are either hanging from the roof’s guttering or tiles. So, you will need to approach the removal of these nests with even more care.

1. Mark out the area around the entrance to the wasp nest. We recommend using chalk to do this, so that you can still see the markings at night.
2. Position the ladder carefully. Ensure that it is not positioned directly under the nest (to minimise the risk of wasp stings), and that it gives you a clear, unobstructed exit, should the wasps emerge.
3. Ascend the ladder, and apply the insecticide spray, spraying directly into the nest entrance. For wasp nests that are located on the outside of the roof, it is particularly important to use a spray that has a long range.
4. Wait for at least 24 hours after you have sprayed the nest.
5. Wearing your protective clothing, remove the nest, and carefully place it into a plastic bag, before sealing.
6. Dispose of the nest in a sealed bin.
7. Ascend the ladder again, and seal the nest’s entry point. You can do this by either using wire mesh or silicone caulk.

How to remove a wasp nest from the brickwork of a roof

If a wasp nest is positioned within your roof’s brickwork, then the removal process becomes considerably more complicated. So, you may want to enlist the services of a professional exterminator.

Or, if you feel comfortable tackling the nest yourself, then here is the recommended process:

1. Find where the nest is located. You can do this by listening for the wasps’ buzzing, or by tracking their flight path.
2. Wait until the night time, and then drill holes into the mortar joints surrounding the nest. These holes should be about ⅛ of an inch in diameter, and be positioned at the top of the nest.
3. Apply the insecticide spray directly into the drilled holes.
4. Wait for at least 24 hours after you have sprayed the nest. You should also keep an eye on the area, to ensure that no more wasps are flying in and out of the nest.
5. Wait and observe: Wait for a few days to ensure all wasps have been killed. Observe the nest to make sure no wasps are flying in or out of it.
6. Wearing your protective clothing, remove the nest, and carefully place it into a plastic bag, before sealing.
7. Dispose of the nest in a sealed bin.
8. Fill the drilled holes with either mortar or caulk, as this will help to prevent another nest from being built in the same spot.

If a wasp nest is positioned in a spot that is clear to see and is easily accessible, then you can tackle the issue yourself safely, with a high degree of success.

However, if you find that the nest is positioned in an area that is difficult to reach, or if the nest is larger than usual, then hiring a professional exterminator is the best approach to take.

If you have any further questions about roofing or keeping your property’s roof in the best condition, then the B&S Roofing team is here to help.