March to May: queens wake and build
Queens come out of hibernation on warm days and start small nests. You may see a single large wasp around a shed or roof edge. Bee activity is much higher than wasp activity in these months.
June and July: nests grow quickly
Workers emerge and the colony expands fast. This is when many people first notice a steady line of wasps at a gap. Treating at this stage stops the nest before it reaches full size.
August and September: peak wasp time
Nests are at their largest. Workers chase sugar, so wasps turn up at drinks, bins and picnics. Stings are more common. European hornets are also at their busiest, often flying at dusk.
October and November: colonies wind down
New queens leave to hibernate and the colony declines. A mild autumn can keep a nest going longer. A cold snap can end it quickly.
December to February: nests are empty
Old nests are empty and will not be reused. This is the best time to repair gaps and prevent next year’s nests.
How to tell if a nest is still active
Watch the entrance for a minute on a warm afternoon. Regular traffic means it is still active, whatever the month. No traffic for several warm days usually means the colony has ended.
- Busy entrance: active, consider treatment
- Occasional wasp: declining
- Nothing on warm days: likely finished
Wasp season in Essex: common questions
When do you treat nests?
Whenever a nest is active. Phones are open 8am to 9pm, seven days; treatments are sunrise to sunset.
Is a hot summer worse for wasps?
Warm, dry weather often helps colonies grow. A cold, wet spring can reduce early nests.
Does the price change in peak season?
No. One wasp or European hornet nest is £125 all year.