I live in a council sheltered housing community (1st floor flat) and have a Wasps nest in the wood cladding just five or six inches from the lounge window. When I first noticed activity I thought nothing of it, but the activity has icreased a lot and I suspect that the nest is quite large. I phoned the council and was told there was a £50 charge. The window is very large and opens on a central pivot which gives a small gap on the top and on the bottom, had it opened outward I would have tried to spray it but even then the nest must be well inside and needs specialist equipment. Does anyone have any suggestions.

When you say you've tried the council was that the housing repairs department? If they're in the brickwork I imagine it could cause problems so would think they might deal with it.

Failing that is there a scheme manager or warden you could contact?

Good point Claro, I'll contact the lady in the office, also i'll try repairs again, when I phoned the council I chose the "wasps" option now i'll try again using the possible internal damage slant.

Sorry..got your name wrong.

Don't worry. I get called all sorts!

if that fails, could try an ant powder/spray. if poss, 'spray' on a wasp or two as they are flying in/around. wasp will go in, 'contaminate' the nest, and then they shld abandon the nest.

I just phoned council repairs, they said they could not carry out inspection whilst the nest was there, I then phoned up the dept that deals with pests and they were adamant that there was no exception to the £50 charge.

Just been googling and taking ford's suggestion of ant powder a step further, if you can spray where the nest is that works too. Best done in the evening apparently.

and, avoid doing it on a windy day. also, wear eyewear eg glasses/shades. just in case of any throw back.

I think i'll give that a try. Could be best to try the one that gives a solid liquid stream rather than a fine spray. Bit apprehensive though as I'm allergic to their sting.

it (powder) does work imo. with hornets as well.

if you are allergic though, maybe best get someone else in to do it (though i've never been stung doing it).

ps, if not bothered by them, then cld leave them, they'll go/die off at the end of summer

Thank you both for your help. I'll let you know how I get on.