How much does hornet nest removal cost in 2025?

Finding a wasp or hornet nest on your property can be alarming. However, don’t attempt to deal with it yourself. Read on to discover hornet nest removal costs and how to find certified pest control experts in your area.

Could you be dealing with an Asian hornet nest? Read our guide for more information on what to do next.

What does hornet nest removal cost in the UK?

Pest control prices for wasp and hornet removal

Hornet nest removal typically ranges from £75 to £100. However, prices vary depending on several factors, including the nest location, size, and accessibility.

• Ground-level nest removal: £75
• First-floor nest removal: £95
• Nest removal from roof space: £100
• Additional nest removal: £15 to £20
• Removal after treatment: £25
• Initial inspection cost: £100

If you’re sure you only have one nest and can send pictures to the pest controller ahead of them visiting, you may be able to agree on a fixed price for treatment and removal of approx. £100.

Factors affecting the cost of hornet nest removal

Wasp and hornet nest removal costs typically vary according to the following factors:

• The location of the nest: Ground-level nests are generally easier to access and cheaper to remove
• The number of nests: Larger or multiple nests may increase costs
• The time of year: Nests are more active during summer, potentially increasing demand and prices
• Specialist equipment: Hard-to-reach areas may need additional tools or access equipment
• Regional variances: Pest control prices may differ based on where you live in the UK

Hornet nest removal cost calculator

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How to identify a hornet nest

In the summer months, when the hive is active, it should be straightforward to identify a hornet nest.

Where do hornets usually nest?

Hornets typically make nests either outdoors in trees, or indoors in hard-to-reach spaces. Bird boxes, garages, roof spaces, and wall cavities are all likely hotspots for hornet or wasp infestation.

If you observe a steady stream of hornets leaving and entering a space or cavity, it’s likely there’s a nest nearby.

What do hornet nests look like?

• A hornet nest looks similar to a regular wasp nest but tends to be larger in size
• They are usually formed around soft or ageing wood
• They’re typically characterised by a paper-like structure, often with a teardrop shape, and a singular entrance

In comparison, wasps use chewed wood to build their nests. They’re normally found in dark, hard-to-reach spaces, either outdoors in bushes or trees, or within structures such as attics, garden decking, or sheds.

Wasp nests will start roughly the same size as a golf ball and will continue to grow throughout the summer. They have been known to grow to the size of a football or larger if left to thrive.

What’s the difference between a hornet and a wasp?

Hornets are similar to wasps but there are some key differences:

• On average, a hornet is larger than the common wasp and can grow to 5.5cm in length
• Hornets have a brown or orange body with black marks, whereas wasps are more yellow and black
• Hornets are less aggressive than wasps if left unprovoked, however, getting stung can be extremely painful

Don’t wait to determine whether you have a wasp or hornet nest. As soon as you suspect an infestation, contact professional pest control experts in your area for assistance.

How are hornet nests removed?

Hiring professional hornet removal services is the safest and most effective way of dealing with a hornet or wasp nest. Here’s what to expect:

1. Inspection

The first stage of the process is a full onsite survey.

During this initial inspection, a pest control expert will visit your property to locate the nest(s) and assess the infestation.

Cost: An inspection typically costs around £100

2. Treatment and removal

A certified hornet exterminator will then prepare the site for treatment.

This involves applying an insecticide (or other safe treatments) to the nest, causing the structure to expire along with the hornets inside it.

How long does it take to remove a hornet nest?

• Treating a wasp or hornet nest usually takes around an hour (depending on the scale of the task)
• Within a couple of hours of treatment, the nest will show minimal signs of activity
• Within 48 hours, the nest, the queen, and the worker hornets will be destroyed
• After this time, the hornet exterminator will remove the nest from your property

Cost: Hornet nest removal typically ranges from £75 to £100 depending on size and location.

Removal or treatment?

Treating a hornet nest is a method for removing any pests from your site. It involves spraying the entrance of the nest with a biodegradable insecticide that is not highly toxic to mammals but is extremely so to hornets, wasps, and ants.

Removing a hornet nest is the physical removal of the nest from your site.

If you believe you have a nest on your premises that is no longer active, it is probably more cost-effective to have the nest removed rather than undergoing the treatment process. Hornet nest removal normally costs around £25.

If you are unsure whether there is still activity in the hornet nest on your property, a site inspection will cost in the region of £100.

If having a hornet nest treated, ask your pest controller what chemicals they plan to use. There may be an option to use less toxic chemicals, but they’re typically more expensive.

Can I remove a hornet nest myself?

There are several risks involved in hornet nest removal, therefore it should only be undertaken by professional pest control experts.

• Safety: Hornets and wasps can sting repeatedly when provoked, posing a serious threat, especially if you’re allergic
• Certification: Professional hornet removal companies are qualified to use industry-grade insecticides and possess safety equipment to ensure effective nest removal
• Effectiveness: Proper treatment and removal will help to avoid reinfestations

Always consult certified pest control experts, such as members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) for safe and lasting results and to ensure best practice procedures.

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Hornet nest removal checklist

Treating and removing a hornet or wasp nest can be resolved quickly when working with a professional tradesperson. Specialist equipment and insecticide are required and the removal should not be attempted on your own.

• When hiring a pest controller, ensure they are British Pest Control Association (BPCA) registered
• The average hornet nest removal cost in the UK ranges between £75 to £100
• Hornets are considerably larger than wasps and pack a much stronger sting
• The cost of hornet nest removal will depend on the location and number of nests
• The process takes place in three steps: Inspection, treatment, and removal. This typically takes place over the course of 48 – 72 hours
• It is not advised to remove a hornet nest by yourself. Always consult a professional to avoid injury or hospitalisation

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FAQs

How much does it cost to remove a hornet or wasp nest from a loft?

Expect to pay upwards of £100 for wasp or hornet nest removal from a loft or attic.

Can I remove a hornet nest myself?

DIY hornet or wasp nest removal is risky and not advised. Always hire a certified professional for safe and effective removal.

What’s the cheapest way to get rid of a hornet nest?

Contacting professional hornet removal services when the nest is smaller and easier to access can reduce the cost of infestation treatment.

Is hornet nest removal covered by home insurance?

Hornet nest removal is not usually covered by a standard home insurance policy. However, if you have ‘home emergency’ cover, check your policy to see what’s included.

Are hornets dangerous to pets?

Hornet stings can be harmful to pets – keep them away from suspected nests and contact professional pest control experts for assistance.

How can I prevent hornets from nesting in the future?

Regularly inspect areas that could become nesting sites such as the loft, garage, or shed. Seal up any cracks or holes in the walls or roofs. Use wasp/hornet traps and contact pest control services if you spot a nest for swift removal.