Fungi? Insects? Worse? Information, help and tips on many areas of roofing including trusses, tiling, venting, insulation etc....

[sgtgrim]

At the weekend I went up the loft to install additional insulation. From one rafter, low down towards the eaves I found a growth which should not be there. I've a pretty good picture of it, yet I can't quite work out how to post it here.

At first I was heartbroken, thinking I'd dry rot, but all the pictures I've found of that just aren't the same. After taking the photo last night, I'm suspecting insects.

The growth is round, and has the look, and layered texture of a 'meringue nest' cake. It is a pale orange/peach colour. It hangs from the timber by two vertical 'roots'. The timber around the growth doesn't look unhealthy.

Would anyone here be able to take a look at the photo and perhaps identify my problem? What's my best course of action? I don't want to call out a specialist 'bug removal' if its a rot issue or vice versa.

Thanks[/img]

[acsimpson]

From your description it sound like it might be a wasp nest or something similar. That doesn't necisarily mean there is still an infestation but definately worth getting it checked out.

A picture would be good. You can upload it to a site like imageshack.us and paste a link into your message.

[sgtgrim]

Thanks for the tip. A friend of mine recognised this as a wasps nest. He said the orange colouring suggested it had been there for years. I was a little aprehensive about scraping it off into a plastic bag, due to limited working area, and an awkward retreat.

:idea: With the head of the vacuum cleaner removed, I went at it from a distance, Ghostbusters style and had the thing despatched in seconds. No buzzing from the hoover bag suggested all was well and I could continue with my insulation project. :D

[acsimpson]

Glad to hear it. Did you have the theme tune playing too?

I'm no expert but I don't thinks wasps would be particularly active at this time of year.