We share our homes with more insects than we know, but they don’t really become a problem until they begin nesting.
Most homeowners will only notice a nest once it becomes out of control, and suddenly you’ve got ants in all corners of the kitchen and wasps buzzing around in the attic.
Knowing which insects are most likely to be nesting in your home means you can keep track of what you’re seeing around your house. Helping you to act before the infestation spirals.
So, what are the most common insects found in your home? Where are they likely to nest? And most importantly, what can you do to prevent them from taking over your home?
Wasps
In the UK, wasps are some of the most common insects to nest around your home. Wasp season begins in the spring, when the Queen emerges from hibernation. But the Queen’s humble beginnings soon spiral into a busy nest, which reaches its peak in summer, housing thousands of worker wasps.
Common nesting locations include:
- Roof spaces
- Attics
- Wall cavities
- Garden sheds
- Garages
- Eaves and soffits
- Trees and bushes
Signs of a wasp infestation:
- Wasps constantly entering and leaving the same area
- A paper-like, grey / brown nest
- Buzzing sounds inside your walls or ceilings
Ants
If you live in the UK, you’re well-familiar with black garden ants. In summer, they’re out in full force and ready to invade your home. Although their nests usually begin outside, they often relocate inside in search of food. Sugary smells will draw ants into your home, where the plentiful food sources make it easy for them to establish a nest.
Ants normally nest:
- Under patios
- Beneath paving slabs
- Wall voids
- Kitchen floors
- Foundations
Signs of an ant infestation are:
- Visible ant trails
- Piles of soil near paving
- Seeing more worker ants inside your home
Moths
Particularly in winter, and periods of damp weather, the Common Clothes Moth and the Case-Bearing Clothes Moth enjoy nesting in UK homes. Your home’s heating offers year-round warmth. And your cupboards and wardrobes full of clothes and bedding keeps them happily fed.
If you have a moth infestation, you’ll find them in:
- Undisturbed wardrobes and closets
- Storage trunks
- Unused furniture
- Attics
- Pantries
Signs of a moth infestation are:
- Irregular holes in natural fibres (such as wool, silk, and fur)
- Patches in your carpets
- Silky tubes and casings left by moth larvae
- Moths hiding in furniture or dark corners
Honeybees
Like wasps, honeybees reach their peak in summer. While we need to protect our bees, having them in your home isn’t ideal either. Not only can they sting, but the honey residue can attract other critters and cause structural and aesthetic damage to your property.
Honeybees typically establish colonies inside:
- Wall cavities
- Chimneys
- Roof voids
- Hollow trees
You may be housing a bee colony if:
- Large numbers of bees are swarming around one location
- Bees are entering small gaps in your brickwork or rooflines
- You notice a constant humming noise
- Honey or wax stains around entry points
Prevention over removal
It’s easier to prevent insects from nesting on your property than it is to remove them entirely. Stop insects from nesting in your home, before they begin by:
- Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and rooflines
- Repairing damaged soffits, siding and roof tiles
- Keeping bins shut
- Removing standing water
- Trimming plants and vegetation away from your home
- Storing firewood away from exterior walls
- Regularly checking lofts, garages, and sheds for nests
- Cleaning up food spills quickly
When Should You Call a Professional?
Some nests, particularly wasp and bee nest removal, shouldn’t be handled yourself. Especially not without experience, expert knowledge and proper equipment. If your home has become infested, it’s best to call a professional right away.
Final Thoughts
While these insects are mostly harmless, having an active nest in your home can soon transform into an out-of-control infestation.
It’s important to regularly check around your home for signs of nests or an increased number of insects. Identifying an infestation early makes them easier to deal with. Remember to always take care to prevent infestations, keeping your home as bug-free as possible.