Management ignoring wasps/hornets in the office [closed]

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EDIT: I work at a non-profit organization where we own the building and we have a problem of wasps/hornets getting into my office, that may spread to other offices. Our facilities manager is responsible for this problem but has not taken care of it due to cost/complications reaching the nest. We have no HR person/department. Wasps/hornets getting in our office regularly seems like a safety concern. The three of us in my office are not allergic but someone two offices down the hall is, and so is another person downstairs. On days when the problem is particularly bad (4 or more a day, as compared to 1-3 typical) my manager will have me move to a public space in our building.



I want to have a safe and stable work environment for myself and my co-workers without being unreasonable.



Is this a legitimate workplace concern to have? Should I just make the case for myself to move offices/work from home, or for my co-workers as well?



EDIT: I am not looking for how to deal with the pests. I am looking for how to deal with the facilities manager who isn't taking care of the problem, and my manager who has me relocate to public spaces in the building on days the problem is worse. I am a young professional trying to figure out what are valid complaints and what are the best ways to talk to managers about them.







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closed as off-topic by gnat, Joe Strazzere, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Jim G., Michael Grubey Oct 7 '14 at 10:46


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – Joe Strazzere, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Michael Grubey
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.








  • 1




    Can you not just patch the holes they gain access through? Gum, tape, spitwads, silicone, glue, etc etc etc
    – Chris W.
    Oct 6 '14 at 19:48







  • 1




    So in reality, there could be a larger problem, as in a nest in your ceiling or elsewhere? In which case the cold weather will have zero effect on your culprits. Without knowledge of either the source, or the entry access point, that really only leaves one route....fumigation. Personally, I would just let building management know that if they aren't willing to confront the issue, then on Friday night I'd be setting off a "bug bomb" fogger so it's cleared out and safe again by Monday... but that's me.
    – Chris W.
    Oct 6 '14 at 20:11







  • 2




    If the cost of having pest control in is too much for them, I can't wait to see what they think of the settlement after someone gets sent to the hospital from a wasp sting that they could have prevented.
    – GrandmasterB
    Oct 6 '14 at 20:11







  • 2




    This question appears to be off-topic because it is about a pest problem which is not unique to the workplace.
    – Jim G.
    Oct 7 '14 at 3:09






  • 3




    @JimG: It's about dealing with workplace managers who ignore the problem.
    – Lightness Races in Orbit
    Oct 7 '14 at 11:12
















up vote
2
down vote

favorite












EDIT: I work at a non-profit organization where we own the building and we have a problem of wasps/hornets getting into my office, that may spread to other offices. Our facilities manager is responsible for this problem but has not taken care of it due to cost/complications reaching the nest. We have no HR person/department. Wasps/hornets getting in our office regularly seems like a safety concern. The three of us in my office are not allergic but someone two offices down the hall is, and so is another person downstairs. On days when the problem is particularly bad (4 or more a day, as compared to 1-3 typical) my manager will have me move to a public space in our building.



I want to have a safe and stable work environment for myself and my co-workers without being unreasonable.



Is this a legitimate workplace concern to have? Should I just make the case for myself to move offices/work from home, or for my co-workers as well?



EDIT: I am not looking for how to deal with the pests. I am looking for how to deal with the facilities manager who isn't taking care of the problem, and my manager who has me relocate to public spaces in the building on days the problem is worse. I am a young professional trying to figure out what are valid complaints and what are the best ways to talk to managers about them.







share|improve this question














closed as off-topic by gnat, Joe Strazzere, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Jim G., Michael Grubey Oct 7 '14 at 10:46


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – Joe Strazzere, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Michael Grubey
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.








  • 1




    Can you not just patch the holes they gain access through? Gum, tape, spitwads, silicone, glue, etc etc etc
    – Chris W.
    Oct 6 '14 at 19:48







  • 1




    So in reality, there could be a larger problem, as in a nest in your ceiling or elsewhere? In which case the cold weather will have zero effect on your culprits. Without knowledge of either the source, or the entry access point, that really only leaves one route....fumigation. Personally, I would just let building management know that if they aren't willing to confront the issue, then on Friday night I'd be setting off a "bug bomb" fogger so it's cleared out and safe again by Monday... but that's me.
    – Chris W.
    Oct 6 '14 at 20:11







  • 2




    If the cost of having pest control in is too much for them, I can't wait to see what they think of the settlement after someone gets sent to the hospital from a wasp sting that they could have prevented.
    – GrandmasterB
    Oct 6 '14 at 20:11







  • 2




    This question appears to be off-topic because it is about a pest problem which is not unique to the workplace.
    – Jim G.
    Oct 7 '14 at 3:09






  • 3




    @JimG: It's about dealing with workplace managers who ignore the problem.
    – Lightness Races in Orbit
    Oct 7 '14 at 11:12












up vote
2
down vote

favorite









up vote
2
down vote

favorite











EDIT: I work at a non-profit organization where we own the building and we have a problem of wasps/hornets getting into my office, that may spread to other offices. Our facilities manager is responsible for this problem but has not taken care of it due to cost/complications reaching the nest. We have no HR person/department. Wasps/hornets getting in our office regularly seems like a safety concern. The three of us in my office are not allergic but someone two offices down the hall is, and so is another person downstairs. On days when the problem is particularly bad (4 or more a day, as compared to 1-3 typical) my manager will have me move to a public space in our building.



I want to have a safe and stable work environment for myself and my co-workers without being unreasonable.



Is this a legitimate workplace concern to have? Should I just make the case for myself to move offices/work from home, or for my co-workers as well?



EDIT: I am not looking for how to deal with the pests. I am looking for how to deal with the facilities manager who isn't taking care of the problem, and my manager who has me relocate to public spaces in the building on days the problem is worse. I am a young professional trying to figure out what are valid complaints and what are the best ways to talk to managers about them.







share|improve this question














EDIT: I work at a non-profit organization where we own the building and we have a problem of wasps/hornets getting into my office, that may spread to other offices. Our facilities manager is responsible for this problem but has not taken care of it due to cost/complications reaching the nest. We have no HR person/department. Wasps/hornets getting in our office regularly seems like a safety concern. The three of us in my office are not allergic but someone two offices down the hall is, and so is another person downstairs. On days when the problem is particularly bad (4 or more a day, as compared to 1-3 typical) my manager will have me move to a public space in our building.



I want to have a safe and stable work environment for myself and my co-workers without being unreasonable.



Is this a legitimate workplace concern to have? Should I just make the case for myself to move offices/work from home, or for my co-workers as well?



EDIT: I am not looking for how to deal with the pests. I am looking for how to deal with the facilities manager who isn't taking care of the problem, and my manager who has me relocate to public spaces in the building on days the problem is worse. I am a young professional trying to figure out what are valid complaints and what are the best ways to talk to managers about them.









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Oct 7 '14 at 16:29

























asked Oct 6 '14 at 19:19









Zac Littleberry

195




195




closed as off-topic by gnat, Joe Strazzere, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Jim G., Michael Grubey Oct 7 '14 at 10:46


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – Joe Strazzere, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Michael Grubey
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.




closed as off-topic by gnat, Joe Strazzere, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Jim G., Michael Grubey Oct 7 '14 at 10:46


This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:


  • "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – Joe Strazzere, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Michael Grubey
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.







  • 1




    Can you not just patch the holes they gain access through? Gum, tape, spitwads, silicone, glue, etc etc etc
    – Chris W.
    Oct 6 '14 at 19:48







  • 1




    So in reality, there could be a larger problem, as in a nest in your ceiling or elsewhere? In which case the cold weather will have zero effect on your culprits. Without knowledge of either the source, or the entry access point, that really only leaves one route....fumigation. Personally, I would just let building management know that if they aren't willing to confront the issue, then on Friday night I'd be setting off a "bug bomb" fogger so it's cleared out and safe again by Monday... but that's me.
    – Chris W.
    Oct 6 '14 at 20:11







  • 2




    If the cost of having pest control in is too much for them, I can't wait to see what they think of the settlement after someone gets sent to the hospital from a wasp sting that they could have prevented.
    – GrandmasterB
    Oct 6 '14 at 20:11







  • 2




    This question appears to be off-topic because it is about a pest problem which is not unique to the workplace.
    – Jim G.
    Oct 7 '14 at 3:09






  • 3




    @JimG: It's about dealing with workplace managers who ignore the problem.
    – Lightness Races in Orbit
    Oct 7 '14 at 11:12












  • 1




    Can you not just patch the holes they gain access through? Gum, tape, spitwads, silicone, glue, etc etc etc
    – Chris W.
    Oct 6 '14 at 19:48







  • 1




    So in reality, there could be a larger problem, as in a nest in your ceiling or elsewhere? In which case the cold weather will have zero effect on your culprits. Without knowledge of either the source, or the entry access point, that really only leaves one route....fumigation. Personally, I would just let building management know that if they aren't willing to confront the issue, then on Friday night I'd be setting off a "bug bomb" fogger so it's cleared out and safe again by Monday... but that's me.
    – Chris W.
    Oct 6 '14 at 20:11







  • 2




    If the cost of having pest control in is too much for them, I can't wait to see what they think of the settlement after someone gets sent to the hospital from a wasp sting that they could have prevented.
    – GrandmasterB
    Oct 6 '14 at 20:11







  • 2




    This question appears to be off-topic because it is about a pest problem which is not unique to the workplace.
    – Jim G.
    Oct 7 '14 at 3:09






  • 3




    @JimG: It's about dealing with workplace managers who ignore the problem.
    – Lightness Races in Orbit
    Oct 7 '14 at 11:12







1




1




Can you not just patch the holes they gain access through? Gum, tape, spitwads, silicone, glue, etc etc etc
– Chris W.
Oct 6 '14 at 19:48





Can you not just patch the holes they gain access through? Gum, tape, spitwads, silicone, glue, etc etc etc
– Chris W.
Oct 6 '14 at 19:48





1




1




So in reality, there could be a larger problem, as in a nest in your ceiling or elsewhere? In which case the cold weather will have zero effect on your culprits. Without knowledge of either the source, or the entry access point, that really only leaves one route....fumigation. Personally, I would just let building management know that if they aren't willing to confront the issue, then on Friday night I'd be setting off a "bug bomb" fogger so it's cleared out and safe again by Monday... but that's me.
– Chris W.
Oct 6 '14 at 20:11





So in reality, there could be a larger problem, as in a nest in your ceiling or elsewhere? In which case the cold weather will have zero effect on your culprits. Without knowledge of either the source, or the entry access point, that really only leaves one route....fumigation. Personally, I would just let building management know that if they aren't willing to confront the issue, then on Friday night I'd be setting off a "bug bomb" fogger so it's cleared out and safe again by Monday... but that's me.
– Chris W.
Oct 6 '14 at 20:11





2




2




If the cost of having pest control in is too much for them, I can't wait to see what they think of the settlement after someone gets sent to the hospital from a wasp sting that they could have prevented.
– GrandmasterB
Oct 6 '14 at 20:11





If the cost of having pest control in is too much for them, I can't wait to see what they think of the settlement after someone gets sent to the hospital from a wasp sting that they could have prevented.
– GrandmasterB
Oct 6 '14 at 20:11





2




2




This question appears to be off-topic because it is about a pest problem which is not unique to the workplace.
– Jim G.
Oct 7 '14 at 3:09




This question appears to be off-topic because it is about a pest problem which is not unique to the workplace.
– Jim G.
Oct 7 '14 at 3:09




3




3




@JimG: It's about dealing with workplace managers who ignore the problem.
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Oct 7 '14 at 11:12




@JimG: It's about dealing with workplace managers who ignore the problem.
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Oct 7 '14 at 11:12










2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
5
down vote



accepted










I would suggest to the facilites manager that you trade offices with her/him until this is fixed. (OK that part was sarcasm but I am senior enough and well respected enough in my company that I would probably do that and there would be no retaliation for it. YMMV.) IN one job, I did actually up and leave and tell them I would be back when the problem was fixed but that was a poisonous snake so they were more sympathetic to my need to immediately leave. It sounds like basically you have a weak boss who won't stand up for his people.



It is entirely unacceptable to expect people to work in an office space with wasps. You should to point out the liability if the wasps stings your allergic co-worker and she dies is much greater than the cost of the professional. If the facilites manager does not immediately hire someone, go to HR and ask them what you can do when the work space is unliveable. Perhaps you and the allergic lady should be allowed to work from home until the problem is fixed. I can tell you I would not work in an office where I was at risk for an allergic reaction from a wasp sting. And since wasp stings are painful even if you aren't allergic, I would likely not put up with this situation as long as you have. You get 1 day to fix something like this once they start comining in the building. Your boss should be pushing for this to be resolved too.






share|improve this answer





























    up vote
    -2
    down vote













    You can easily develop an allergy after 1-2 stings, so this is a serious issue. However I would not use aggresive toxins because you can't know how they affect your health .. yeah sure, they are safe.



    A possiblilty is to open the roof and remove the nest, relocating the wasps to another area and then sealing off everything. Otherwise you will have the problem every year.



    Someone should really smash your manager like he did with the wasps. Would be interesting to see how many other manager will come flying around him. :/






    share|improve this answer
















    • 1




      Relocate? They're wasps, not honeybees. Just smite them all.
      – James Adam
      Oct 6 '14 at 21:53


















    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

    votes








    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    5
    down vote



    accepted










    I would suggest to the facilites manager that you trade offices with her/him until this is fixed. (OK that part was sarcasm but I am senior enough and well respected enough in my company that I would probably do that and there would be no retaliation for it. YMMV.) IN one job, I did actually up and leave and tell them I would be back when the problem was fixed but that was a poisonous snake so they were more sympathetic to my need to immediately leave. It sounds like basically you have a weak boss who won't stand up for his people.



    It is entirely unacceptable to expect people to work in an office space with wasps. You should to point out the liability if the wasps stings your allergic co-worker and she dies is much greater than the cost of the professional. If the facilites manager does not immediately hire someone, go to HR and ask them what you can do when the work space is unliveable. Perhaps you and the allergic lady should be allowed to work from home until the problem is fixed. I can tell you I would not work in an office where I was at risk for an allergic reaction from a wasp sting. And since wasp stings are painful even if you aren't allergic, I would likely not put up with this situation as long as you have. You get 1 day to fix something like this once they start comining in the building. Your boss should be pushing for this to be resolved too.






    share|improve this answer


























      up vote
      5
      down vote



      accepted










      I would suggest to the facilites manager that you trade offices with her/him until this is fixed. (OK that part was sarcasm but I am senior enough and well respected enough in my company that I would probably do that and there would be no retaliation for it. YMMV.) IN one job, I did actually up and leave and tell them I would be back when the problem was fixed but that was a poisonous snake so they were more sympathetic to my need to immediately leave. It sounds like basically you have a weak boss who won't stand up for his people.



      It is entirely unacceptable to expect people to work in an office space with wasps. You should to point out the liability if the wasps stings your allergic co-worker and she dies is much greater than the cost of the professional. If the facilites manager does not immediately hire someone, go to HR and ask them what you can do when the work space is unliveable. Perhaps you and the allergic lady should be allowed to work from home until the problem is fixed. I can tell you I would not work in an office where I was at risk for an allergic reaction from a wasp sting. And since wasp stings are painful even if you aren't allergic, I would likely not put up with this situation as long as you have. You get 1 day to fix something like this once they start comining in the building. Your boss should be pushing for this to be resolved too.






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        5
        down vote



        accepted







        up vote
        5
        down vote



        accepted






        I would suggest to the facilites manager that you trade offices with her/him until this is fixed. (OK that part was sarcasm but I am senior enough and well respected enough in my company that I would probably do that and there would be no retaliation for it. YMMV.) IN one job, I did actually up and leave and tell them I would be back when the problem was fixed but that was a poisonous snake so they were more sympathetic to my need to immediately leave. It sounds like basically you have a weak boss who won't stand up for his people.



        It is entirely unacceptable to expect people to work in an office space with wasps. You should to point out the liability if the wasps stings your allergic co-worker and she dies is much greater than the cost of the professional. If the facilites manager does not immediately hire someone, go to HR and ask them what you can do when the work space is unliveable. Perhaps you and the allergic lady should be allowed to work from home until the problem is fixed. I can tell you I would not work in an office where I was at risk for an allergic reaction from a wasp sting. And since wasp stings are painful even if you aren't allergic, I would likely not put up with this situation as long as you have. You get 1 day to fix something like this once they start comining in the building. Your boss should be pushing for this to be resolved too.






        share|improve this answer














        I would suggest to the facilites manager that you trade offices with her/him until this is fixed. (OK that part was sarcasm but I am senior enough and well respected enough in my company that I would probably do that and there would be no retaliation for it. YMMV.) IN one job, I did actually up and leave and tell them I would be back when the problem was fixed but that was a poisonous snake so they were more sympathetic to my need to immediately leave. It sounds like basically you have a weak boss who won't stand up for his people.



        It is entirely unacceptable to expect people to work in an office space with wasps. You should to point out the liability if the wasps stings your allergic co-worker and she dies is much greater than the cost of the professional. If the facilites manager does not immediately hire someone, go to HR and ask them what you can do when the work space is unliveable. Perhaps you and the allergic lady should be allowed to work from home until the problem is fixed. I can tell you I would not work in an office where I was at risk for an allergic reaction from a wasp sting. And since wasp stings are painful even if you aren't allergic, I would likely not put up with this situation as long as you have. You get 1 day to fix something like this once they start comining in the building. Your boss should be pushing for this to be resolved too.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited Oct 7 '14 at 13:36

























        answered Oct 6 '14 at 20:32









        HLGEM

        133k25226489




        133k25226489






















            up vote
            -2
            down vote













            You can easily develop an allergy after 1-2 stings, so this is a serious issue. However I would not use aggresive toxins because you can't know how they affect your health .. yeah sure, they are safe.



            A possiblilty is to open the roof and remove the nest, relocating the wasps to another area and then sealing off everything. Otherwise you will have the problem every year.



            Someone should really smash your manager like he did with the wasps. Would be interesting to see how many other manager will come flying around him. :/






            share|improve this answer
















            • 1




              Relocate? They're wasps, not honeybees. Just smite them all.
              – James Adam
              Oct 6 '14 at 21:53















            up vote
            -2
            down vote













            You can easily develop an allergy after 1-2 stings, so this is a serious issue. However I would not use aggresive toxins because you can't know how they affect your health .. yeah sure, they are safe.



            A possiblilty is to open the roof and remove the nest, relocating the wasps to another area and then sealing off everything. Otherwise you will have the problem every year.



            Someone should really smash your manager like he did with the wasps. Would be interesting to see how many other manager will come flying around him. :/






            share|improve this answer
















            • 1




              Relocate? They're wasps, not honeybees. Just smite them all.
              – James Adam
              Oct 6 '14 at 21:53













            up vote
            -2
            down vote










            up vote
            -2
            down vote









            You can easily develop an allergy after 1-2 stings, so this is a serious issue. However I would not use aggresive toxins because you can't know how they affect your health .. yeah sure, they are safe.



            A possiblilty is to open the roof and remove the nest, relocating the wasps to another area and then sealing off everything. Otherwise you will have the problem every year.



            Someone should really smash your manager like he did with the wasps. Would be interesting to see how many other manager will come flying around him. :/






            share|improve this answer












            You can easily develop an allergy after 1-2 stings, so this is a serious issue. However I would not use aggresive toxins because you can't know how they affect your health .. yeah sure, they are safe.



            A possiblilty is to open the roof and remove the nest, relocating the wasps to another area and then sealing off everything. Otherwise you will have the problem every year.



            Someone should really smash your manager like he did with the wasps. Would be interesting to see how many other manager will come flying around him. :/







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Oct 6 '14 at 21:32









            user27549

            411




            411







            • 1




              Relocate? They're wasps, not honeybees. Just smite them all.
              – James Adam
              Oct 6 '14 at 21:53













            • 1




              Relocate? They're wasps, not honeybees. Just smite them all.
              – James Adam
              Oct 6 '14 at 21:53








            1




            1




            Relocate? They're wasps, not honeybees. Just smite them all.
            – James Adam
            Oct 6 '14 at 21:53





            Relocate? They're wasps, not honeybees. Just smite them all.
            – James Adam
            Oct 6 '14 at 21:53



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