Bee & wasp nest removal: Getting ready for the summer surge

As temperatures rise, so does demand for bee and wasp nest removal, often with short notice. These jobs can carry a concentrated mix of public liability, employers’ liability and treatment-related exposures. A quick pre-season review of procedures and your insurance cover can help you take on more work confidently and reduce the chance of an expensive claim.

Why bee and wasp work can generate bigger liability claims:

·        Height and access: ladders, flat roofs, lofts, voids, eaves and outbuildings can turn a simple job into a working-at-height exposure.

·        Third-party injury potential: disturbed insects can sting residents, neighbours, passers-by or a customer’s pet.

·        Property damage: broken tiles, damaged soffits, water ingress after access, or collateral damage during nest removal.

·        Chemical/biocide issues: overspray, incorrect application, contamination of ponds and sensitivities/asthma triggers.

·        Reputation and contract pressure: urgent call-outs can increase the chance of shortcuts or incomplete documentation.

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Pre-season risk controls that can reduce the risk of incidents:

·        Job triage before you attend: confirm insect type (photos/video if possible), exact location, access constraints, presence of children/pets and any known allergies.

·        Working at height policy: define when ladders are acceptable, when you’ll use scaffold/MEWP and when you’ll decline the job. Record your decision.

·        Clear exclusion zone: ask the customer to keep people and pets inside (or away) for a defined period; use signage/tape where appropriate.

·        PPE and equipment checks: check veil/suit integrity, gloves, footwear, head protection and torch/inspection tools, especially for loft work.

·        Chemical controls: use products as per label and COSHH; consider drift, ventilation and sensitive areas (ponds, aquariums and food prep areas).

·        Site notes and photos: document pre-existing damage, access points and the completed works. This often makes the difference when a complaint escalates.

·        Aftercare instructions: give written guidance on re-entry times, what to expect over the next 24–48 hours and what triggers a free/chargeable revisit.

·        Subcontractor discipline: if you outsource overflow work, confirm competency, method statements and that insurance is in place and correctly aligned with your contract terms.

Insurance checklist, what to review before call-outs spike:

·        Public Liability: confirm the policy description of your business activities includes bee/wasp nest treatment and removal, use of pesticides/biocides and any work at height you undertake. Check your limit of indemnity (the maximum amount          an insurer will pay for a claim) is suitable for your business activities.

·        Employers’ Liability: ensure all staff (including temps/labour-only helpers) are declared correctly. Review any height or hazardous-substance conditions.

·        Treatment risks / efficacy issues: understand how your policy responds to allegations of ineffective treatment, repeat visits, or “failure to eradicate”.

·        Professional Indemnity (PI): if you provide advice, inspection reports, surveys, or written recommendations (for example for landlords, property managers, or commercial sites), consider whether PI cover is in place to protect you against          allegations of negligent advice. This is especially important where a client relies on your report to decide on further works or sign off a site.

·        Tools and equipment: consider cover for your tools and equipment in case they are damaged or stolen, preventing you from working.

·        Structural work / property alteration: Understand to what extent your policy covers this work. It’s essential to clearly distinguish between general maintenance and structural work. Routine maintenance typically covers minor access and          reinstatement tasks such as refixing small sections of soffit or fascia, resealing around service entry points, installing vents or mesh to prevent re-entry, and carrying out light making-good work where structural integrity isn’t affected. In          contrast, structural work involves more significant repairs, including roof covering replacements, structural timber repairs, major joinery or brickwork, and any project requiring scaffolding or professional certification and may not be covered          under your insurance policy.

·        Claims reporting: ensure incidents are notified promptly to your insurer or broker, even if you expect it to “blow over”.

Visit our webpage here or speak to our team to discuss your cover requirements and ensure you’re fully protected this summer.