It’s summer in Glasgow — the sun’s out (sometimes), BBQs are fired up, and gardens are buzzing. Unfortunately, so are the wasps. If you’ve seen them buzzing near some bins, disrupting your picnic table, or even making it inside your home then you might start to get worried. Or do what we naturally do, flap about and scream while running away! At Strathclyde Pest Control we have seen that wasp activity is at its peak during these warmer few summer months and it doesn’t take much to go from an occasional flying nuisance to a full-blown pest problem.
In this guide, we’ll break down what’s behind the summer surge in wasp activity, how to prevent them from turning your home into their nesting spot, and when it’s time to call the pest controllers at Strathclyde Pest Control.
Why Are Wasps Everywhere Right Now?
Warm Weather Fuels Wasp Nests
Summer temperatures are ideal for building wasp nests. By July and August, a queen wasp may have produced hundreds of sterile female workers — all busy searching for food to support the colony. This is when you’ll start seeing worker wasps hovering near bins, garden sheds, or the patio table.
Vespula vulgaris (also known as the common wasp) and the German wasp are the most frequently spotted species in Glasgow homes and gardens. These social wasps thrive in warm, dry areas — like loft spaces, wall cavities, the eaves of a home or under wooden decking.
Food Sources Make Your Home a Target
Outdoor meals, uncovered drinks, fruit trees, and food waste left out in the sun all attract wasps. Fermenting fruit on the lawn thats come off that apple tree? That’s a five-star buffet to a wasp.
Worker wasps are especially active around:
- Open bins and compost heaps
- Fallen fruit under trees
- Pet food bowls left outside
- Garden tables after meals
- Areas with sugary or protein-rich leftovers
As summer winds down, wasps become more erratic. With no more larvae to feed, the workers turn their attention to liquid food — sugary drinks, fermenting fruit, and even flower nectar.
End-of-Summer Behaviour
When the queen stops laying eggs, those sterile female workers no longer have young to tend to. Instead, they become increasingly focused on sugar and liquid foods. This often makes them more aggressive — especially around bins, drinks, and flowering plants.
Signs You Might Have a Wasp Nest
You don’t always need to see the nest to know you’ve got one nearby. Watch for:
- Repeated wasp activity around the same point (e.g. a wall crack or air brick)
- A steady stream of wasps entering wall cavities, lofts, or wooden structures
- Buzzing or scratching noises in insulation walls or loft spaces
- Small clumps of papery nest material in sheltered corners
These signs suggest there could be an active wasp nest in the property — particularly in places like garden sheds, lofts, or under roof tiles.
What NOT to Do
A few quick don’ts:
- Don’t swat at wasps. It releases alarm pheromones and attracts more.
- Don’t block the nest entrance. You’ll trap them inside and cause more aggression.
- Don’t attempt large nest removal using DIY products — shop-bought sprays are rarely effective and can be dangerous.
How to Deter Wasps from Nesting
You can’t remove every wasp in Glasgow, but you can discourage them from settling on your property.
Tidy Up and Remove Temptation
- Keep your bins closed and empty as often as you can
- Clean up any food or drink spills and crumbs straight away
- Don’t leave food waste out, wash those dirty dishes!
- Store pet food indoors or cover bowls outside
- Pick up fallen fruit from fruit trees regularly
- Avoid leaving sugary drinks or fermenting fruit lying around
Seal Off Entry Points
- Fill in cracks around window frames, fascia boards, and soffits
- Install or repair fly screen over vents and window screens
- Inspect garden sheds and garages for early signs of nest building
When It’s Time to Call the Experts
Some jobs just aren’t worth the risk. Call Strathclyde Pest Control if:
- You’ve found a wasp nest near living spaces
- Wasps are entering your home through insulation walls or brickwork
- You’ve been stung — especially if there’s a risk of allergic reactions
- DIY methods haven’t worked
How Strathclyde Pest Control Handles It
We’re a Glasgow-based pest control company with years of experience in wasp nest removal. Here’s what we offer:
- Safe, fast wasp control using industry-standard formulations
- Appointments throughout Glasgow, East Kilbride, Newton Mearns, and beyond
- Friendly and knowledgeable fully trained pest controllers
- Advice on preventing future infestations
- Residential and commercial pest control services — including food premises
Final Thoughts
From hornets to yellow jackets, the common wasp to bees, when they become a pest they can turn summer from sweet to sour in a hurry. But with a few smart steps — and help from your local pest company — you can keep your space wasp-free.
Call Strathclyde Pest Control today to speak to a local expert. Let’s sort your wasp problem properly.
