Question 1

How is a wasp nest treated?

Accepted Answer

A specialist uses a professional DR-5 powder applicator with a mixture of 98.75% talc powder and 1.25% Bendiocarb biocide. The powder is injected into the flight hole. Worker wasps then spread it throughout the entire nest themselves.

Question 2

Why does treatment happen during the day?

Accepted Answer

Unlike consumer products, the professional powder method works best during the day when wasps are active and spread the powder through the nest.

Question 3

How long does treatment take?

Accepted Answer

The technician is on-site for approximately **15 minutes**. Wasp activity may continue for several hours afterwards — this is normal.

Question 4

How quickly does the treatment work?

Accepted Answer

Activity decreases significantly after a few hours. Full effect is reached within **1 to 3 days**.

Question 5

What is the goal of the treatment?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating the queen. Without her, reproduction stops and the colony gradually dies off.

Question 6

When is treatment not possible?

Accepted Answer

- Nest entrance more than 5 metres high with obstructed access
- Flight hole blocked by a roof overhang
- Species cannot be confirmed as wasp with certainty
- Nest located in an inaccessible hollow space

Question 7

What should I do before the technician arrives?

Accepted Answer

Locate the flight hole and mark it. Do NOT block it. Cover any fish ponds and make sure children and pets stay indoors.

Question 8

Can I seal the flight hole?

Accepted Answer

No — this is the most common mistake. Wasps will chew an alternative route, creating more dangerous situations and making professional treatment more difficult.

Question 9

Is treatment harmful to my fish pond?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the biocide is harmful to aquatic life. Cover ponds and water features before treatment begins.

Question 10

How long should children and pets stay indoors?

Accepted Answer

During treatment (approximately 15 minutes). After that, outdoor areas are safe again.

Question 11

Do I need to remove the nest after treatment?

Accepted Answer

No. A nest inside a cavity wall does not need to be removed — it will decompose on its own and poses no danger. An accessible nest can be safely removed by yourself after **2 weeks**.

Question 12

Are empty nests reused?

Accepted Answer

No, never. Each year a new queen builds a completely new nest in a different location.

Question 13

How large can a wasp nest get?

Accepted Answer

From walnut-sized (April) to tennis ball (July) to football or basketball (August). At peak season a nest houses approximately **5,000 workers**.

Question 14

Where are wasp nests most often found?

Accepted Answer

The most common location is the **cavity wall**. Also frequently in attics, sheds, underground (mouse burrows), and under roof tiles.

Question 15

How do I recognise a wasp nest?

Accepted Answer

Wasp paper is light brown and resembles papier-mâché. There is one flight hole with continuous flight activity. French Field Wasp nests have open visible hexagonal cells with no paper casing.

Question 16

Can I remove a wasp nest myself?

Accepted Answer

Only if the nest is **smaller than a walnut** (meaning only the queen is present). Use a glass and a piece of cardboard to trap and drown the queen. Once worker wasps are present, professional help is required.

Question 17

What should I absolutely never do near a wasp nest?

Accepted Answer

- Block the flight hole
- Spray water on the nest
- Use open flames
- Cause vibrations nearby (lawn mowing, drilling)

Question 18

When is DIY treatment dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Always in these cases: allergy, nests larger than a walnut, nests inside walls or hollow spaces, multiple nests, or uncertainty about the species.

Question 19

Which wasp species are common in the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

The two most common are the **German Wasp** *(Vespula germanica)* and the **French Field Wasp** *(Polistes dominula)*. The German Wasp is more aggressive and builds larger nests.

Question 20

How do I tell a wasp apart from a bee?

Accepted Answer

Wasps have a slimmer, smoother body with a clear waist. Bees are hairy. Wasps are also more aggressive when disturbed.

Question 21

Is the Asian Hornet dangerous?

Accepted Answer

The Asian Hornet is an invasive species spreading through the Netherlands. Nests start small in sheltered spots but can later grow to heights of 18 metres. Always contact a professional if spotted.

Question 22

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Meldpunt Ongedierte responds within **1 hour** of your report and treats the nest within **24–48 hours**.

Question 23

What do I need for the booking?

Accepted Answer

- Wasp species (if known)
- Exact nest location
- Property accessibility details
- Any allergy information

Question 24

Which regions does Meldpunt Ongedierte serve?

Accepted Answer

Throughout the Netherlands: Friesland, Flevoland, Limburg, North Brabant, Gelderland, North Holland, South Holland, and more.

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