Have you found a wasp nest near your home? To avoid being stung and to prevent a colony from taking up residence, you need to take the right steps. Treatments and traps for nests, professionals to contact, advice on how to relieve and treat a sting, and preventative measures – here are the truly effective solutions for dealing with wasps.

In summary

What should you do if you have wasps in your home?

Don’t worry – a few wasps flying around your patio or in your garden don’t necessarily mean there’s a nest nearby. They’re looking for food or water, especially in summer.

If wasps approach you, here’s how to react:

• pick up any ripe fruit that has fallen on the ground
• stay calm and avoid sudden movements
• cover food and sugary drinks
• clean up any leftover food quickly
• keep bin lids tightly closed

How can you keep wasps away from a patio?

Why do wasps always return to the same place?

Wasps return when they can easily find food. A bin that isn’t properly closed, fruit that has fallen on the ground, a compost heap or sugary drinks left outside are enough to attract them.

If you notice them following the same routes day after day, there’s probably a nest nearby.

See also: A practical guide to identifying different types of wasps.

What should you do if you discover a wasp nest?

What does a wasp nest look like?

A wasp nest is made from wood fibres that the wasps chew and mix with their saliva. It therefore takes on the appearance of grey paper, sometimes compared to cardboard or papier mâché.

Its shape varies depending on the species. Social wasps build a closed nest, round or oval in shape, with a single opening through which the colony can come and go. Polist wasps, on the other hand, build a small open nest in which the individual cells remain visible.

Wasp nests can be found in many places:

• under a roof
• in an attic
• a cavity wall
• a tree
• a garden shed
• directly in the ground for some species

Photos of wasp nests

Precautions to take

Keep your distance and do not attempt to intervene yourself. A wasp colony can become very aggressive if it feels threatened.

Here are some precautions to take:

• do not touch the nest;
• never block its entrance;
• do not use a water jet or over-the-counter insecticide;
• avoid mowing the lawn or using tools that cause vibrations nearby;
• keep children and pets away;

Can a wasp nest be left in place?

Yes, in some cases. It all depends on its location, the species of wasp, the time of year and how frequently the area is used.

A small nest in a secluded, quiet spot is not usually a problem. However, if the nest is near a door, a patio, a footpath, or if someone with an allergy lives nearby, it is best to have it removed.

See also: Everything you need to know about hornet nests.

Can you remove or kill a nest yourself?

If you try to destroy a wasps’ nest without the right equipment, you risk being attacked by the whole colony. It is clearly better to call in a professional.

Who should you call about a wasps’ nest?

Hiring a pest control specialist

This is the most suitable solution when a nest is active or difficult to access. A professional will be able to:

• identify the species of wasp;
• assess the level of risk;
• select the most appropriate treatment;
• carry out the work safely, even at height;
• neutralise or remove the nest if necessary.

Before making your choice, ask for a detailed quote and check that the pest control operator is authorised to use professional biocidal products (Certibiocide ‘pests’). This certification specifically covers insecticides used against wasps and hornets.

Please note: the Certibiocide certificate is an individual qualification, not a certification awarded to the company as a whole. You should therefore check that the person carrying out or supervising the work does indeed hold a valid certificate.

Check a Certibiocide certificate

Contact your local council

Some local authorities offer financial assistance, refer you to an approved service provider or take action if the nest is on public land. Others do not have any specific arrangements in place.

Please feel free to call your local council to find out more.

Notify the landlord or letting agent

If you are a tenant, inform your landlord or letting agency as soon as possible before any work is carried out. Who is responsible depends, in particular, on the location of the nest and the responsibilities set out in the tenancy agreement.

Contact the property manager

If the nest is located in the communal areas of a block of flats (facade, roof, communal courtyard, etc.), you must notify the property manager. In principle, it is the property manager who organises the work and contacts a specialist company.

Only call the emergency services in the event of immediate danger

The fire service generally no longer responds to wasp nests located on private property.

However, call 18 or 112 in an emergency, for example if:

• someone is suffering a severe allergic reaction;
• an attack is taking place;
• the nest poses an immediate danger in a public or busy area.

How much does it cost to remove a wasps’ nest?

Several factors affect the price:

• the height of the nest (on the ground, under the roof, in a tree, etc.);
• its accessibility (hollow wall, chimney, loft, roller shutter box, etc.);
• the location and the time taken for the professional to travel there;
• the equipment required (telescopic pole, ladder, aerial platform, etc.);
• the urgency of the call-out (evenings, weekends, public holidays);
• removal of the nest after it has been neutralised, where applicable.

Before choosing a wasp exterminator, always ask for a quote specifying:

• the total price including VAT;
• call-out charges;
• any additional charges (emergency call-out, aerial work platform, etc.);
• whether nest removal is included or whether only nest neutralisation is planned;
• the terms for a second visit should the wasps remain active.

Can home insurance cover the cost of destroying a wasp nest?

Are wasp traps effective?

When placed near an active nest, a trap captures only some of the workers. The queen and the rest of the colony continue to live and produce new wasps.

Please note that many traps are not very selective and also catch bees, butterflies and other insects that are beneficial to biodiversity.

How do you make a homemade wasp trap?

The best-known trap is the bottle trap.

You can cut a plastic bottle in half and turn the top part upside down to form a funnel. Place some syrup or a small piece of meat or fish at the bottom to attract them. The wasps fly easily into the trap, but find it harder to get out again.

What bait should you use in a wasp trap?

The bait depends on the time of year.

• In spring, wasps are looking for more protein: a small piece of meat or fish can be attractive.
• In summer and autumn, they are mainly attracted to sugary foods. A mixture of beer, syrup or fruit juice usually works well.

Avoid using only very sugary drinks if there are bees nearby, to minimise the capture of non-target insects.

Where should you set up the trap?

If you have spotted a nest, never place a trap directly in front of its entrance: this may increase wasp activity around the nest without solving the problem.

What repellents should you use against wasps?

Wasp repellents can keep a few insects at bay, but they cannot destroy a nest.

Essential oils, such as lemongrass, peppermint or clove, are often used as natural repellents against wasps. Their effectiveness is limited, particularly outdoors.

Can a repellent replace professional treatment?

No. Whether it’s a repellent or a wasp insecticide, neither of these products can eliminate an established colony. If a nest is close to your home, the treatment must target it directly or be carried out by a professional when the situation warrants it.

Are wasps more aggressive in late summer?

You’ve probably noticed that wasps are much more common around patios, bin bins and outdoor meals towards the end of summer. This behaviour is directly linked to the colony’s life cycle.

For much of the season, worker wasps hunt for insects to feed the larvae, which need protein. Adult wasps, on the other hand, feed mainly on sugary substances such as nectar, honeydew or ripe fruit.

Towards the end of summer, the colony gradually reaches the end of its life cycle and the number of larvae to feed decreases. The workers then spend more time searching for sources of sugar for their own needs. Ripe fruit, fizzy drinks, desserts or rubbish bins become particularly attractive. This is one of the reasons why we see more wasps around our dining tables at this time of year.

Why you shouldn’t swat a wasp

Social wasps also use alarm pheromones to organise their colony’s defence. When a wasp detects a threat, these chemical signals can alert its fellow wasps and trigger defensive behaviour.

This phenomenon has been demonstrated in particular in various species of Vespidae. Research on Vespula squamosa has shown that pheromones can recruit other workers and stimulate an attack when a nest is threatened.

What should you do after a wasp sting?

A wasp sting is painful and causes localised redness and swelling, which gradually subside over a few days.

After a sting, follow these steps:

• clean the skin with soap and water;
• apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for a few minutes;
• remove any rings, bracelets or shoes if the stung area is likely to swell;
• gently remove the stinger if it is still in the skin;
• apply an antiseptic;
• monitor how the symptoms develop over the following hours;
• do not apply any irritating remedies (such as alcohol, undiluted vinegar or essential oils directly to the skin).

If the pain persists a few hours later, you can take a painkiller such as paracetamol.

What should you do if there are multiple stings?

If a child has more than 5 stings or an adult more than 20, the venom can cause vomiting, dizziness or feeling unwell.

In this situation, do not delay – call 15 or 112 immediately.

How can you relieve the pain of a wasp sting?

How can you recognise an allergic reaction, and what should you do?

LThe symptoms of an allergic reaction are as follows:

• difficulty breathing;
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat;
• feeling unwell or losing consciousness;
• a widespread rash;
• vomiting or abdominal pain.

In this case, call 15 or 112 immediately.

The EN National Health Insurance recommends laying the person in the recovery position. If the sting causes significant swelling of the airways, give the victim an ice cube to suck on and call 15 or 112 immediately.

What should you do if a dog or cat is stung?

If your pet is stung by a wasp, apply a cold compress wrapped in a cloth for a few minutes.

Contact your vet straight away in the following cases:

• the sting is in the mouth, throat or on the muzzle;
• the swelling becomes severe;
• your pet is having difficulty breathing;
• it has been stung several times;
• it seems listless, is vomiting or is behaving unusually.

Do not give your pet any medicine intended for human use without consulting a vet.

How can you prevent wasps from returning?

A few simple steps can help reduce the risk.

In spring, regularly check your loft, garden sheds, garages and eaves. This is when the queens start building their first nests, which are still very small.

You can also:

• repair any cracks and openings that allow wasps to settle;
• fit fly screens where possible;
• cover food and drink when eating outdoors;
• clean rubbish bins regularly and keep them tightly closed;
• pick up ripe fruit that has fallen to the ground;
• check roller shutter boxes, garden sheds and other rarely visited areas;
• watch out for the appearance of a small nest at the start of the season so that you can take action before the colony grows.

FAQ

Have you spotted a hornet or a suspicious nest nearby? It’s best to avoid taking any impromptu action, especially if there’s a colony present. European or Asian hornets can become aggressive if you get too close. Here are the right steps to take to get rid of these insects and what to do if you’re stung.

Key information

What should you do if you see an Asian hornet?

The Asian hornet, or Vespa velutina, looks like a large, dark wasp, with a black thorax, an orange band on its abdomen and yellow tips on its legs.

Here’s what it looks like in photos:

If you spot one, stay calm. The Asian hornet rarely attacks humans. It only becomes aggressive if you get within 4 or 5 metres of its nest.

A single hornet does not necessarily mean there is a nest nearby. The insect may simply be looking for water, ripe fruit or other insects to feed on.

Here are the correct steps to take:

• avoid sudden movements;
• do not try to swat it;
• do not spray insecticide, especially in a closed room;
• keep children and pets away;
• turn off the lights and open doors and windows wide.

See also: How to recognise an Asian hornet?

Does killing a hornet attract others?

Squashing a hornet does not automatically attract the whole colony. However, you should definitely avoid doing so, as the insect may release chemicals that act as an alarm signal to its fellow hornets. This is more dangerous if you are near a nest. Other hornets may then emerge in greater numbers to protect the colony.

What should you do if you discover a hornet’s nest?

What does a hornet’s nest look like?

A hornet’s nest looks like a large ball of grey-brown paper or cardboard. It is made from chewed wood fibres, which gives it an appearance similar to kraft paper. Depending on the species and the time of year, it can range in diameter from a few centimetres to over 80 cm.

Photos of hornet nests

Precautions to take

Whether it is a nest of Asian or European hornets, a colony can become very aggressive if it feels threatened.

Whilst waiting for a professional to arrive, here are the precautions to take:

• do not approach the nest;
• do not touch the structure it is attached to;
• never throw anything at it;
• do not block the entrance;
• do not use a water jet or over-the-counter insecticide;
• stop mowing, trimming hedges or pruning nearby;
• do not carry out any work;
• warn your neighbours;
• keep children and pets at a safe distance.

Can you destroy a hornet’s nest yourself?

There is another risk to consider: mistaking an Asian hornet’s nest for that of a European hornet, a species that is protected in certain regions.

Can an empty nest be removed?

Yes, provided you are certain it has been completely abandoned. A hornet’s nest is not usually reused the following year, but it may remain occupied until late autumn.

Who should you call about a hornet’s nest?

The answer depends on the nest’s location and the level of danger. In principle, on private property, the removal of a nest is not the responsibility of the local authorities, but of a specialist company.

Hiring a pest control company

A pest control specialist in hornets can:

• identify the species;
• assess the level of risk;
• select the appropriate treatment method;
• treat a nest at height;
• secure the area;
• neutralise or remove the nest.

How can you find a competent professional?

Ask for a detailed quote and check what it includes: call-out, treatment, removal of the nest if necessary, and a follow-up visit should the problem recur.

The professional must also be fully authorised to use biocidal products intended for professional use only. The ‘pests’ Certibiocide certificate specifically covers TP18-type insecticides, used against arthropods such as hornets and wasps. It is awarded following a 21-hour training course – equivalent to three days – at an organisation accredited by the Ministry for the Environment.

Please note: the Certibiocide certificate is an individual qualification, not a certification awarded to the entire company. You should therefore ask whether the person carrying out or supervising the treatment holds a valid certificate.

Check a Certibiocide certificate

Should I contact the local council?

Yes. Hornet control measures vary from one local authority to another.

The local council may:

• record a report;
• refer you to a service provider;
• offer local assistance;
• take action if the nest is on public land;
• not provide any specific assistance.

Some local authorities contribute towards the costs, whilst others leave the full cost to the owner of the land in question.

The fire service in an emergency

The fire service can be contacted in the event of immediate danger, for example:

• an attack in progress;
• a nest in a busy public building;
• a vulnerable person who cannot be moved to safety;
• an urgent risk to several people.

Outside of an emergency, please contact a professional hornet nest removal company instead.

Hornet’s nest: who should pay for its removal?

Who is responsible depends on the location of the nest, the tenancy agreement and the circumstances.

How much does it cost to remove a hornet’s nest?

The price depends mainly on:

• the height and accessibility of the nest;
• its size and location;
• the equipment required, such as a ladder or a cherry picker;
• the distance travelled by the professional;
• the urgency of the job;
• whether or not the nest is removed after it has been neutralised.

2026 Prices – Hornet’s nest removal

Ask for several quotes, providing photos where possible and all the necessary details: height, size, location, etc.

Can a hornet’s nest be removed free of charge?

Some local authorities, inter-municipal bodies or departments cover all or part of the cost of the operation. The rules vary depending on where you live and may require you to use an approved contractor.

Costs may also be covered:

• if the nest is on public land;
• by the landlord or property manager, depending on its location;
• through cover provided under certain home insurance policies; or by the owner of the land in question.

Should you set up an Asian hornet trap?

An Asian hornet trap may be useful in certain situations, but it is never a substitute for the professional removal of a nest. If used incorrectly, it can also catch many insects that are not the target, including bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Trapping may be justified for:

• providing temporary protection for an apiary;
• monitoring an area where hornets are regularly seen;
• taking part in a targeted and supervised trapping campaign;
• temporarily limiting the presence of individual hornets around a specific location.

Their effectiveness varies, and they may cause more damage to biodiversity than to the target colony.

Is a homemade hornet trap effective?

There’s the bottle trap, which is easy to make, but its effectiveness is very limited. The problem is that whilst it can catch hornets, it also traps bees, butterflies and other insects that are beneficial to biodiversity. It’s also worth noting that the bait becomes less attractive in hot weather or when it rains. Finally, it is clearly not enough to get rid of a colony.

Are hornet repellents and sprays effective?

A hornet repellent can help keep them away from a patio or dining area on an ad hoc basis, but its effect is often short-lived. No repellent removes a nest or addresses the root cause of the problem.

Hornet sprays and aerosols have a more direct effect. There are long-range varieties available for targeting hornets from a distance. This is useful for dealing with a single hornet, but not for treating a colony.

Can you use an aerosol can on a hornet’s nest?

No, this is strongly advised against. The actual range may be insufficient and could provoke an immediate reaction from the colony. Hornets may swarm out in large numbers to attack you. You also expose yourself to the product and to the risk of falling.

What should you do after a hornet sting?

A hornet can sting several times. After being stung, move away from the area immediately to avoid another attack.

Quickly remove any rings, bracelets or shoes if the sting is on a hand, arm or foot, as the area may swell. Then clean the skin with soap and water, and apply a cold compress for a few minutes, protecting the skin with a cloth.

Monitor your general condition over the following hours.

What are the usual symptoms?

A hornet sting causes:

• sharp pain;
• redness;
• a sensation of heat;
• itching;
• swelling around the sting site.

How long does the pain from a hornet sting last?

The pain is intense immediately after the sting, then eases over the course of a few hours. However, discomfort, redness or swelling may persist for a few days.

The duration depends on the area affected, the amount of venom injected, your individual sensitivity and the number of stings.

Is it normal for the sting to swell up the next day?

Yes, a local reaction may continue to worsen over the following hours and be more noticeable the next day.

See a doctor if:

• the swelling becomes very severe;
• the pain increases rather than subsides;
• the redness spreads significantly;
• the area becomes very hot or appears to be infected;
• you develop a fever, feel unwell or experience other general symptoms.

What should you do if you are stung on the face or in the mouth?

In this case, call 15 or 112, as the swelling may obstruct your airways.

Here are the situations in which you should call the emergency services:

• difficulty breathing;
• swelling of the tongue or throat;
• feeling unwell or loss of consciousness;
• severe vomiting;
• a generalised reaction with rashes, itching or swelling over the body;
• multiple stings;
• a known allergy to venom.

What should you do if a dog or cat is stung?

First, move the animal away from the area. Contact a vet immediately if you notice:

• a sting in the mouth or throat;
• swelling of the muzzle, tongue or neck;
• difficulty breathing;
• multiple stings;
• unusual lethargy, vomiting or discomfort.

FAQ

A type of giant wasp, the Asian hornet is an invasive species that has been present in France since 2004. Before taking any action with treatments, you must ensure that it is indeed this insect. Colour, size, differences from its European cousin and bumblebees, and the shape of the nest… here are the key features to help you recognise them and determine whether a colony is present nearby.

Key information

Introduction to the Asian hornet

The Asian hornet, whose scientific name is Vespa velutina, is a species native to the following countries: Afghanistan, India, China and Indonesia. Accidentally introduced into France in the early 2000s, it has since become established across almost the whole of the country and in several other European countries.

What does an Asian hornet look like?

It is also known as the ‘yellow-legged hornet’, a detail that makes it much easier to identify.

Here are its distinguishing features:

• a generally very dark body;
• a black thorax;
• brownish wings;
• an orange-yellow band on the abdomen;
• yellow tips on its legs.

Its shape is that of a hornet: a sturdy body, a distinct waist between the thorax and the abdomen, and long antennae.

How big is an Asian hornet?

The size of an Asian hornet varies depending on its role within the colony. A worker is generally around 1.5 to 2.5 cm long, whilst a queen measures between 2.5 and 3.5 cm.

The queen is larger and more robust, particularly in spring when she establishes the colony on her own.

Photos of Asian hornets

What are the differences between an Asian hornet and a European hornet?

The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is a species that has always been native to France. More colourful than its Asian cousin, it plays a role in the ecosystem by controlling the populations of many insects. The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), which arrived much more recently, is recognisable by its darker body and yellow legs.

Here are the main differences between these two species.

How can you tell the difference between a hornet, a wasp and a bumblebee?

It is not always easy to tell the three apart. However, if you take the time to look closely, they are very different.

• The hornet is the largest of the three. It has a sturdy body, long wings and a powerful flight. Depending on the species, it can be brown, black or yellow.
• The wasp is smaller and slimmer. Its abdomen has striking yellow and black stripes, and it is often attracted to sugary foods in summer.
• The bumblebee has a stocky body covered in hair. Its flight is slower and noisier. It is a particularly useful pollinator that feeds exclusively on nectar and pollen.

How can you recognise an Asian hornet’s nest?

An Asian hornet’s nest is spherical or slightly oval in shape. Its outer shell is made up of thin layers of chewed wood fibres. It has a ‘kraft paper’ appearance, resembling paper or cardboard.

Its colour ranges from beige to light brown with darker concentric rings. Depending on its stage of development, a nest may measure just a few centimetres or exceed 80 cm in diameter by the end of the season.

There is another distinguishing feature: the entrance to the nest is on the side, unlike that of the European hornet’s nest, which is often situated underneath the nest.

In spring, the nests are still small and can easily go unnoticed. In summer and autumn, they become much larger and are more visible in the trees once the leaves have fallen.

What is the difference between a primary nest and a secondary nest?

The Asian hornet builds two nests during its life cycle. Small in size, it usually measures between 5 and 15 cm in diameter. It is found in sheltered places such as a shed, a garage, a garden shed, a roof overhang or a small tree. It is in this nest that the queen lays her first eggs and raises the first workers. When the colony reaches around 200 individuals, the hornets leave this primary nest to build a larger one. Much larger, this nest is usually situated high up, several metres above the ground, in a tree or under a roof, in a shed, in chimneys or, more rarely, in a hedge. The colony lives there until autumn and can accommodate several thousand hornets.

• The primary nest built by the queen in early spring.
• The secondary nest built later by the workers.

Photos of Asian hornet nests

What is the role of the Asian hornet queen?

As with honeybees, the queen is the foundation of the entire colony. After spending the winter in shelter, the Asian hornet queen emerges from hibernation in early spring. She then seeks out a sheltered spot to build her first nest, known as the primary nest.

At this stage, she works alone. She builds the first cells, lays her first eggs (one per day at the start of the season), feeds the larvae and oversees the development of the first workers. For several weeks, she therefore carries out all the colony’s tasks single-handedly.

When the first worker wasps reach adulthood, they take over. They expand the nest, forage for food and care for the new larvae. The queen can then devote herself exclusively to laying eggs.

As the months go by, the colony grows rapidly. By the end of summer, the queen may have given birth to several thousand hornets. It is also at this time that the future queens and males are produced, and they will leave the nest to mate.

How many queens are there in an Asian hornet nest?

A single queen rules the colony. New queens are born at the end of the season, but they leave the nest after mating to spend the winter in a shelter. The original nest is then gradually abandoned and will not be reused the following year.

Is the Asian hornet dangerous?

The Asian hornet can be dangerous, but it does not automatically attack people it encounters. When foraging for food away from its nest, it tends to be fairly calm. However, it becomes more aggressive when someone approaches the colony, shakes a branch, trims a hedge or attempts to destroy the nest.

Is the Asian hornet dangerous to humans?

The Asian hornet has a stinger connected to a venom gland. It can sting several times, as it does not lose its stinger after the first sting.

Asian hornet stings are very painful and cause redness and swelling. Serious complications are rare, but they can occur in the following cases:

• allergy to the venom;
• multiple stings;
• a sting in the mouth or throat;
• a sting to the face;
• a systemic reaction with breathing difficulties, malaise or oedema.

In the event of a medical emergency, you must call 15 or 112 immediately.

And what about the animals?

The Asian hornet is known to be a formidable bee killer. Its presence puts double pressure on colonies. Captured worker bees disappear, whilst the other bees are reluctant to leave the hive when a hornet is flying in front of the entrance. They therefore bring back less nectar and pollen, which can gradually weaken the colony. The hornet’s method is unstoppable: stationed in front of the hive, it kills bees returning laden with pollen and carries their thoraxes back to the nest to feed the larvae.

Hovering about twenty centimetres from the hive entrance, one Vespa velutina worker takes turns with another to capture foragers returning laden with pollen. The hornet kills the bee, strips it of its body parts and carries the thorax back to the nest.

What should you do about Asian hornets?

It is essential to stay at least five metres away from a nest, keep children and pets away, and never attempt to remove or treat it yourself.

The job must be left to a properly equipped professional.

For more information: Hornet’s nest: what to do, who to call and how to react?

FAQ