Insects, including wasps and fleas

Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

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Environmental health
Pest control
Insects, including wasps and fleas

Insects, including wasps and fleas

The Council's pest control officers can treat common insect pests, including wasps, bees and fleas.

Wasps

Wasps are usually only a serious danger to a small number of people who are allergic to their stings. If the wasps are not a nuisance then they can be left alone. They will not normally cause damage to a property.

A wasps’ nest will normally die off in cold weather - the queen over-winters in a tree trunk or similar structure and emerges in the spring to start a new nest. Nests are not used a second time.

If wasp activity is seen one year it will indicate a possible access point that other wasps may use in a subsequent year.

The householder can treat a nest if it can be safely reached. Suitable products are available from garden centres and DIY stores. Read the instructions carefully on the product before use.

It is best to use a wasp nest powder insecticide, puffed into the area where the wasps are seen coming and going. This is best done in the evening when the nest is quiet. Activity may be seen around the hole or access point for a number of days. Rain may wash off the insecticide.

The Council’s pest control officers can also treat premises but only where the treatment can be carried out safely. Any additional nests at premises will also be treated if they are identified for a small extra charge. Nest are not generally removed.

Fleas

Fleas are a parasite of mammals and may infest domestic cats and dogs, wild animals, and humans. It is important to treat any domestic cat or dog that has access to the house at the same time as the house is treated.

The Council’s pest control officers can also treat premises for infestations of fleas. Please note that the premises should not be vacuumed for 14 - 21 days after treatment as this may remove the insecticide.

To request the services of the Pest control officers please call 01235 520202. For details of charges for treating insects please see Pest control charges.