HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to make sure their home is protected from wasps.
Tom Stringer, head of the AA's home emergency response service ,said: "Wasps nests are at best a nuisance, and at worst dangerous to those who live close by.
"Finding a nest now before it's well-established means you can get rid of it before it gets bigger and more problematic."
Almost half of Britons (43 per cent) have found a wasps' nest in their home. More than one in three of these people (37 per cent) have found one in the loft or attic. A further 28 per cent have found one in garden sheds, 23 per cent in wall cavities, and 12 per cent in their garages. Despite this, three-quarters have done nothing to protect their home from the risk of wasps building a nest, such as checking their attic or sealing gaps in eaves or walls.
Tom said: "They're known to build nests in loft spaces, which a lot of people may not check if their loft is unconverted or isn't used very often. Like most insects, they'll squeeze through tiny gaps – so getting up there and checking it's well sealed could stop wasps getting in and setting up home.
"Tackling a wasp nest is dangerous and should only be done by professionals. Many people often mistakenly think that their home insurance covers them for this. It often doesn't.
Keeping wasps away
1. Wasps like sweet foods – try to keep sugary foods or drinks indoors and if you're having a barbecue, keep food and drinks covered
2. Wasps tend to congregate around food sources. Buying a bin with a tight-fitting lid can stop them hanging around
3. Nests resemble paper, so try hanging up a crumpled paper bag where they're likely to build
4. Like many insects, wasps can squeeze into tiny gaps and then start a nest. Sealing gaps around eaves and soffit boards or cracks in walls should lessen the chance of wasps setting up their home in yours
5. If you suspect that wasps can get in your loft but can't see any gaps, you should spot tell-tale chinks of daylight from small holes
6. Wasps really like flowers, so if you wear bright colours and heavy perfume, they may mistake you for one!
7. Remember – if you are unlucky enough to find a wasps' nest in your home or garden, contact your home emergency cover provider to deal with it professionally.