With the wasp season almost upon us, we thought we’d give you a few quick tips for dealing with any wasp problems or wasp nests you encounter this summer.
Wasps start to build up their nests in the spring time after the queen wasp has made a nest in which to lay her eggs. After being fed on insects, the grubs grow into worker wasps in a few weeks.
Wasp nests start off quite small but they can, and do, grow very large and quite often house up to 5,000 wasps. One nest may produce 3,000 to 8,000 wasps in a year in a nest the size of a beach ball.
If wasps can be left alone, that’s great but often wasps are a nuisance and, frequently, a danger to public health. They don’t mind where they make their nests either; we’ve heard of nests in toilet cisterns and even in brass instruments! You’ll usually see them in bushes or under trees, under the eaves or in wall cavities. Sheds and garages are also popular locations for wasp nests! Wasps are also regularly a nuisance for business owners, with customers complaining about wasps interfering with their lunch in the sun. It’s a real problem for business owners who can, and do, lose money over the problem.
For people with an allergy, wasps can prove to be fatal. And, even if you aren’t allergic, wasps can still be fatal. Whilst one wasp sting might not cause too much damage, unfortunately, because of the pheromones emitted by a distressed wasp, nearby colony wasps will be sent into a defensive, stinging frenzy. 3,000 wasps attacking is no laughing matter.
And don’t stop at thinking about the safety of your children and adults because pets suffer too and are susceptible to wasp stings.
Our top five tips for dealing with wasps:
1. Prevention is better than cure - keep your bins clean and closed! Cover windows and doors with screens and tidy up that BBQ and any spilt Pimms as soon as possible!!
2. Check for wasp nests – early action is best
3. Don’t disturb a wasps’ nest – remember a wasp in trouble may call for back up!
4. If you do get stung, act quickly. Seek help from your pharmacist, take advice from the NHS and always call 999 if someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis
5. Call a professional pest controller. Don’t rely on DIY was treatments, they rarely work and can end up causing more problems (fire services have previously reported on serious problems with fire used to get rid of wasp nests)
Pest controllers get many calls about wasp nests over the summer months so you won’t be alone. Call PGM today for help and advice for your unwanted wasp nests.
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