Found a Wasp Nest in Your Loft in Bramhope? Here's What to Do
If you rent, a wasp nest in the loft raises a question as well as a risk: who arranges the treatment? Here is a practical route through it.
An email to the landlord, and a wasp on the stairs
A tenant opens the tenancy folder, wondering whether a wasp nest counts as their problem or the property owner’s, while a wasp wanders down the stairs behind them. The answer matters, but the wasp matters more.
If you rent in Bramhope or anywhere nearby and suspect a nest in the loft, you can do two things at once: make everyone in the house safe, and find out who is expected to arrange the treatment. They do not need to wait for each other.
Landlords and agents differ in how quickly they respond, and that is another reason to protect your household first. A nest does not wait for a repair request to be processed, and the colony keeps growing through the summer, so it is sensible to start the conversation as soon as you notice wasps.
Who arranges it?
We cannot tell you who is responsible, because that depends on the wording of your tenancy agreement, and sometimes on the arrangements between a landlord and a managing agent. Read the agreement and look for sections on pests, repairs and access to the loft. If it is unclear, ask the landlord or agent directly.
Put your report in writing so there is a record. Say when you first noticed the wasps, where you have seen them and that you believe the nest is in the loft. Photographs from a safe distance help. Ask them whether they want to arrange the treatment themselves or whether you may book it.
Likewise, if you own a flat in a building with a shared roof space, you may need to speak to the managing agent or the other owners. Again, the details depend on your lease and we cannot advise on them.
When you write, keep the message short and factual: the date, the location in the house, what you have seen and heard, and a request for a decision by a certain day. Keep a copy, and add any photographs you took from a distance.
Keeping the household safe in the meantime
Waiting for a reply should not mean living alongside a nest. Take sensible precautions straight away.
- Keep the loft hatch closed and tape any gap around it.
- Do not enter the loft, even to check on a tenancy inventory item.
- Keep children and pets out of the rooms where wasps appear.
- Do not block holes outside or try to knock the nest down.
- Tell everyone in the home, including housemates and visitors, to keep away from the landing or ceiling concerned.
If anyone in the home is allergic to wasp stings, they should avoid the affected rooms and tell whoever books the visit.
If the hatch is in a shared hallway or communal landing, tell your neighbours and the agent so that nobody wanders into the loft by mistake.
What booking involves
Whoever books, the process is simple. Ring 0113 347 0014, or fill in the online booking form on the contact page. We cover Bramhope and the wider Leeds area, with same-day service seven days a week for homes and businesses.
The price for the nest is a fixed £90, with no call-out charge, and it is confirmed over the phone before anyone visits. A further nest at the same address is £35. We do not carry out any work until you, or whoever is paying, have agreed.
If the landlord is arranging it, pass them our details and ask them to tell us who will be at the property. If you are there, we will want to know how to get into the loft and where the hatch is.
It also helps to agree who will let the technician in, particularly if you work during the day. Give us a mobile number for the person who will be at the property.
If a landlord insists on using their own contractor, that is their right under the arrangement you have, and the safety advice above still applies while you wait.
The visit itself
Our technician is trained and fully insured. They will want to speak to whoever is at the property, check the loft access and deal with the nest. You do not need to go up or help.
If a landlord or agent would like the empty nest removed, ask us when you book and we will explain what is possible. Whether the nest needs removing is a conversation to have with them.
Having the paperwork in order is helpful. Our confirmation of the work and the fixed price is something you can pass to the landlord or agent if they ask for it.
Afterwards, and for next year
Clear dead wasps from the floor and window sills wearing gloves, and bag them. Let the landlord know the work has been done and keep any paperwork or confirmation you receive, since it may be useful if the question of costs comes up later.
Mention in your next message to the landlord anything that might allow wasps in, such as a gap in the soffit or roof tiles. Repairs are a matter for them or for the agent, but it is sensible to report them, and ask them to fix them before next spring.
For a sting, wash the area, remove the sting if visible and use a cold pack. If there is swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing or trouble breathing, dizziness or a widespread rash, call 999 straight away.
If your tenancy ends soon, mention the nest and the treatment when you hand the property back, so there is no confusion about the state of the loft.
Wasps on your property in Bramhope?
Fixed price £90 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.