Wasp nest in the roof or attic — what to do
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
Do not climb into the attic or up a ladder to look for the nest yourself. It usually sits deep inside the cavity between the tiles and the insulation. Keep roof windows closed, do not seal the entrance hole and have the cavity assessed by a professional.
Why this one is tricky
In a roof or attic, the nest usually sits deep inside the cavity between the tiles, the sub-roof and the insulation. The body of the nest itself is often not visible from outside at all; all you can make out is the entrance hole beneath a tile or along the roof edge. Access is narrow, the structural condition of the roof is unknown, and anyone approaching the nest on a ladder or in the attic risks not only stings but also a fall. In late summer in particular, when the colony reaches its maximum strength and is at its most aggressive, a disturbance can trigger a full defensive swarm.
What to do straight away
- Do not climb up a ladder or into the attic yourself to look for the nest.
- Keep roof windows and hatches in the affected area closed.
- Do not seal the entrance hole beneath the tile or along the roof edge.
- Note where exactly the insects are flying in and out, and tell the professional.
- Call in a professional (/wespennest-entfernen) to assess the cavity properly.
Good to know
Depending on how accessible the cavity is, cold treatment or mechanical removal may be an option; where a situation is inaccessible but acutely dangerous, the use of a biocide remains the last resort. A nest in a hard-to-reach spot in the attic will not be recolonised after treatment — so there is no need for a follow-up treatment the year after. If the nest is more likely to be in a gap in the masonry than in the roof cavity, it is worth having a look at our guide Wasp nest in the wall. For the basics on how to proceed when you find a nest, see Wasp nest found — what to do.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I see the nest even though wasps are flying in and out?
The nest often sits deep inside the cavity beneath the tile or within the roof structure. Usually all you can see is the small entrance hole, not the body of the nest itself.
Can I remove the nest myself from the attic?
We would advise against it. Narrow access, unknown structural conditions and the height involved make a do-it-yourself attempt dangerous. A professional assesses the cavity and selects a suitable method.
Does the roof have to be repaired after the removal?
As a rule, no. The removal is carried out through the existing entrance hole, without opening up the roof.