Insect Invasion Sweeps Across Lincolnshire

A bug boom is sweeping the county this summer – with wasps, mosquitoes and ants being seen in unprecedented numbers for July.

The insect invasion has left pest control businesses across Lincolnshire celebrating after experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of creepy crawly call-outs. This rise in insects has come a month earlier than previous years, with such a large insect population not normally being seen until August.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust spokesman Rachael Shaw believes the soaring temperatures of June and July are to blame for the increase. She said: "We've had an earlier summer than usual this year with very warm and dry weather so far, which is exactly the type of conditions insects thrive in."

The increase in the Lincolnshire bug population has particularly affected wasps and ants – with many people suffering from stings or bites if they disturb a nest.

But not everyone is complaining about the increased insect population. Field biologist Claire Hewitt set up Universal Pest Control in Lincoln six years ago with her sister and this year has noticed an increase in people complaining of unwanted creepy crawlies.

She said: "Our busiest year in terms of wasps was about three years ago but we are just now starting to see an increase in people complaining of wasp nests and we'd expect that to keep increasing throughout August as temperatures continue to rise. But what is extraordinary this summer is the number of ant infestations we've been called out to – there's been more recently than in the past five years."

She said that although not as dangerous as wasps, ants still plague both businesses and homes. "You can prevent ants getting into your home and office and making a nest by just cleaning up and not leaving food on the sides or the desks or in drawers," she said.

"Ants are like any other pest – if you provide them with a food source, they will come in and breed."

But she warned that wasps were not as easy to get rid of and anyone who suspects a nest in their garden should get a professional in to remove it.

"Because they're small, people think they can easily get rid of a wasp nest, but it's when the nest is disturbed that they start to sting," she said. "Quite a lot of our call outs come from wives of husbands who have had to go to hospital to be treated after attempting to remove the nest themselves."

Article provided by Pro-Active Pest Management Services