HOUSEHOLDERS in Worcestershire are being urged to consider calling in pest professionals if wasps have moved into their home or garden.
National trade body the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is advising people to think twice before attempting to tackle a nuisance wasp nest themselves.
Many DIY ‘remedies’ for wasp nests are dangerous and can result in multiple stings which in some cases may lead to anaphylaxis – an allergic reaction which can be fatal.
Natalie Bungay, technical manager at BPCA said: “At their summer peak, wasp nests can be home to up to 5,000 wasps.
“Towards the end of the season, female worker wasps become redundant. They will leave the nest and start to feast on things like overripe fruit.
“The fermented sugars can cause some wasps to become inebriated, and therefore more aggressive and more likely to sting if they come into conflict with people.
“Wasps that feel threatened can also emit a pheromone which acts as a distress call to other wasps and may trigger a defensive stinging frenzy.”
Late August is typically considered the height of ‘sting season’ and BPCA has an online guide with video, to help people understand what to do if wasps are becoming a problem in their home or garden.
And many people may be returning home from summer holidays to discover wasps have been thriving on their property in their absence.
But not all wasps’ nests require treatment. Wasps are accidental pollinators and pest controllers, feeding on small flies and aphids.
They will abandon the nest in autumn, so if they are in a little-used area, it may be best to leave them in peace.
However, wasp nests have been found in a wide variety of places, including loft spaces, under eaves, in toilet cisterns, up trees and even in brass instruments.
These nests should be dealt with by a pest management professional.
Natalie added: “Never attempt to deal with a wasps’ nest if you think you might be allergic to stings, and if it needs to be removed, call a pest professional, such as a BPCA member, for help.”
A BPCA member company will have the correct insurances, are trained and qualified technicians, are assessed to the British Standard in pest management EN 16636 and follow the BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice.
Visit bpca.org.uk/find for more.