Know Anything About Chimneys???

[sere234]

So we bought a bank owned home that was vacant for about 2 years. We bought it Dec. 17 then cleaned/worked on it until Jan. 15 when we moved in. Since we moved though, in we've had wasps in the house. Just one every day or two, flying lazily or crawling on the floor downstairs. I hate the things and they terrify me (amazing how strong this silly fear of wasps is for me!) but I've conquered a few of them and had DH kill others.

The thing is, we aren't sure where they are coming from: the 2 wood burning fireplaces or the ductwork? I called a pest control company today and they said to light a fire in the one fireplace we still haven't used so I'll have DH do that tonight (I'm not risking them flying out on me!).

BUT- we had the chimneys cleaned. We also had the ductwork cleaned (issues with mild mold growth in the basement). So theoretically, there shouldn't be wasps in either of those places, right? And if the fire tonight solves the wasp problem, should I suspect our chimney sweep didn't do a thorough job?

I just figured that cleaning both the ductwork and chimneys would fix the problem....Not sure if the people we hired did their job well or not.... And I'm pretty sure both chimneys have a screen/cap outside on the top but I'll have to check the inspection report to be sure.

[Hedgehog Mtn]

I wouldn't be surprised if a cleaned chimney had wasps. I've had bats move into mine within days of a cleaning or recent fire

It doesn't take long for wasps to build a new home.

[philomom]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog Mtn 

It doesn't take long for wasps to build a new home.

I concur. Wasps make nests at the right time of the year for them.. not on your schedule at all.

[amma_mama]

Does your chimney flue not close well? I would try to shut it tight to see whether or not that has been the source.

[queencarr]

Do you have exhaust fans in your bathrooms?  We do, and we occasionally have wasps come through them (in the summer, usually).  We were told that the moisture that escapes from the fans, even when not running, is attractive to them.  We also have had some come in through the attic vent and make their way into the house. A handy trick--they can't fly with wet wings, so if you can spray them with a good soaking of water, they fall and can be taken care of...

[ChristyMarie]

I once came home to a swarm of wasps in my upstairs hallway.  Freaked me out.

Seems there was a small hole/gap between the siding and a window and they had gotten in and made a nest in between the floors.  Scary stuff.  I don't remember the exact time of year this happened but it was near spring because they were all waking up for the season.  I think that's what the pest control person said, it has been a bit over 10 years.

So I wouldn't assume it was duct work or a chimney - especially if those were both cleaned.  They need a tiny opening to get in and set up home.  It might be worth a call to an exterminator before the problem gets worse.

Good luck.