Wasp Control Pinelands

Pinelands was laid out as South Africa's first garden city, and its tall trees, wide verges and old thatched cottages still define it.

Wasp nests in Pinelands

Wasps like the sheltered eaves under Pinelands' big pines and oaks, as well as garden sheds, pergolas and the edges of thatched roofs. The leafy gardens give paper wasps plenty of shade and shelter, and nests that start small in spring can grow large through summer before anyone notices them. Gardeners trimming hedges are often the first to find them.

We treat and remove nests and check other eaves, sheds and hedges around the property. Nests near thatch are treated carefully so the thatch isn't damaged. Calling early in spring, while nests are small, is quicker and safer.

What gives them away

From the technician

If you have children or a dog that spends the day in the garden, check the jungle gym, the dog kennel and the underside of outdoor tables. Those are common hidden nest sites.

How we handle wasp control in Pinelands

For ongoing wasp control we combine nest treatment with prevention rather than coming out once a year to remove whatever has grown. Active nests are treated with an insecticidal dust or spray applied directly into the comb, usually early in the morning or late in the day when the wasps are on the nest, and the comb is taken down once the colony is dead. On properties with repeat problems we do a sweep in early spring to find and remove young founding nests while they are small, and we can apply a residual treatment to favourite nesting spots such as eaves and pergolas. We also look at what is drawing wasps in, like water points, fallen fruit and open bins, and give practical advice on fixing it. For farms, estates and complexes, scheduled visits through the wasp season keep numbers under control instead of letting them build up.

Want the full step-by-step? See how our wasp control service works.

Stopping a repeat visit

• Seal holes in hollow gate posts, steel poles and roller door channels with a cap or sealant.
• Pick up fallen fruit and grapes promptly, because ripe fruit draws foraging wasps in late summer.
• Walk around the house once a week from September and knock down any nest smaller than a coin with a long pole, at dusk, wearing long sleeves.
• Keep outdoor bins closed and clean up after a braai, as wasps scavenge meat and sweet drinks.
• Fix dripping taps and irrigation leaks, since wasps need a steady water source to build nests.

How much will it cost?

Wasp control is priced on how many nests there are, how high and hard to reach they are, and whether you want a once-off treatment or ongoing visits through the season. A house with one or two nests at ladder height is a straightforward job, while farms, estates and complexes with nests spread over many buildings take longer. For properties that get wasps every year, a seasonal plan usually saves money compared to repeated call-outs, and the quote is free.

Queens come out of hiding as the weather warms in late August and September and start small nests on their own, which is the cheapest and safest time to deal with them. Colonies grow quickly through the hot, dry summer and reach their biggest and most defensive in February and March. With the first winter rains and cold fronts the colonies die off, and only the new queens survive to start again next spring.

Frequently asked questions

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