Wasps are always a problem in and around the house. Especially if they build their nests in places where they will cause significant damage. This is particularly the case with house wall and roof insulation. So how do you get the situation under control?
Wasps can damage the insulation
How wasps get into the insulation
Whether wasps can get into any insulation depends on the type and condition of the insulation. In the case of façade or roof insulation, which many people add to their house today, the following species can each be endangered in their own way:
- ETICS insulation
- curtain wall insulation
- blow-in insulation
- between rafter insulation
The WDSV insulation is one of the most common forms of subsequent house facade insulation. However, the method definitely has weak points if it is not applied professionally. Normally, the exterior plaster over the insulation material is not penetrable for wasps. Careless application work and a missing reinforcement fabric layer can create loopholes through which the animals can penetrate.
In the case of curtain wall insulation, the cladding applied to the outside can also have gaps, for example with slate cladding. Meticulous attention should be paid here to ensuring that everything is well sealed, especially the edges - otherwise wasps can easily eat their way in here again and again, even filling with silicone doesn't help.
With blow-in insulation, which is only possible with double-leaf masonry, the outer wall remains in place during the insulation process. Possible damaged areas may be overlooked, through which wasps gain access to the gap.
The insulation between the rafters under the roof is easy to install and is therefore popular with do-it-yourselfers. Unclean work and a lack of external control - i.e. the roof tiles - harbor great potential for wasps to invade. The space required between the insulation boards and the roof covering is also quite inviting for the insects to build their nests.
Drive wasps out of the insulation
Once wasps have entered an insulated room, it is rather difficult to get rid of them immediately. After all, façade insulation in particular cannot simply be opened. What you shouldn't do is simply patch up entry holes. Firstly, this is animal cruelty and secondly, the wasps will try to eat their way free and thereby wear away even more insulating material. It is best to wait until the state resolves by itself in the fall and then repair damaged areas in the exterior plaster or on the brickwork.