A mild winter and early summer has increased the survival rate of queen wasps this year. This not only has consequences for our ho...
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The pest control world is bracing itself for a marked increase in the wasp population across the UK and Ireland this summer. A mild winter and early spring coupled with low winter rainfall has given every opportunity for colonies to flourish.
Early signs show that an unusually high number of productive queen wasps survived the winter by finding shelter in sheds and attics. This has lead to an earlier than usual start on nest building and reproduction.
With more and more people becoming susceptible to allergic reactions after being stung by a wasp, it is important to stay on top of numbers by acting on the source of the problem.
The threat posed by wasp stings is a point made only more poignant by the increasing number of reported reactions to stings, which is becoming a real problem in terms of public health. An anaphylaxis reaction to a wasp sting can be life-threatening, with the victim suffering breathing difficulties, chest pain and palpitations.
Day-to-day life can also be impeded by neighbouring wasp populations, with a real fear or unease felt by a large amount of people. This fear can bleed into business productivity, where staff spend a significant portion of the day having to deal with the unwelcome visitors.
Although tempting, we strongly advise against attempting to destroy a wasp nest, and to always seek expert help as the dangers involved can be greatly reduced when the proper precautions and equipment are implemented. Your pest control company will also be able to monitor the cleared area ensuring that the wasps do not return.
Early summer is the calm before the storm, where the worker wasps are busy collecting food to feed the young. It is in the later months of summer where their duties are lessened and they are free to search for sweet substances that the problem is predicted to be felt most.
The effect on the business of public houses in particular could also be large this year. This has typically been a problem area for wasp infestation, but it is likely to be worsened by the elevated wasp population and an increase in the number of patrons outside, due to the smoking ban.
Article provided by Attack Pest Control