Lincs: This summer could be a bumper year for wasps

Mild spring temperatures following a relatively cold winter have created perfect conditions for the nuisance insects.

And with forecasters predicting warmer than average weather for the rest of May and June, industry insiders are expecting a huge rise in both the number and size of nests.

Figures produced by the British Pest Control Association indicate problems with wasps shot up by around 87 per cent in the UK last year compared to an unusually quiet 2013.

And Rob Simpson, leader of independent pest controllers register Basis Prompt, is expecting a similar surge in complaints again this year.

He said: “The number of nests seemed to be down significantly in 2013, but there was a substantial increase last year when numbers returned to something like normal.”

“Colder winters often mean there are more wasps about the following summer as mated queens spend the period deep in hibernation.”

“This year, temperatures were relatively cold during the winter and have so far been warm in spring, so we’re expecting our members to receive a deluge of calls.”

In a typical British summer, wasps will not appear in huge numbers or become a big issue until August or September.

But they begin building new nests in spring and Mr Simpson says it’s best to have them treated as early as possible, when the colony is smaller and the wasps less aggressive.

He added: “With warm weather expected and nests growing in size as the season progresses, we expect the number of wasp-related enquiries to rise substantially.”

“So if people do find a nest in their garden or around the house, however small at the moment, it shouldn’t be ignored.”

“A mature nest can contain thousands of wasps,”

Mr Simpson says homeowners shouldn’t be tempted to tackle issues themselves.

Homeowners seeking professional advice are being urged to find a company registered with Basis Prompt.