EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning to Brits about a huge “population explosion” of wasps.
The swarms of creepy-crawlies are creating nests as big as space hoppers and one experts has warned that 2025 will be the “year of the insect”.
5
5
5
Wasp populations normally spike towards the very end of the Summer, as the insects prepare to breed before dying in the winter.
However, Andrew Dellbridge of Ace Pest Control in Norfolk said hot weather in the Spring has drawn the bugs out early.
Now, a huge “population explosion” is underway since the insects have more time to breed.
According to him, their numbers are already at the levels you would expect to see in September and the bugs are constructing nests which are the size of “space hoppers”.
Inside each nest, there could be “thousands” of wasps.
Andrew has also warned that their high numbers could make the wasps aggressive, saying: “When we get into peak production, early autumn time, they ramp up.
“It’s all ramped up and their aggression does as well.
“What I would imagine we’re going to find shortly is that will ramp up again, so we’ll get that mad activity earlier.”
The expert says that he has seen hundreds of wasps pile into someone’s home, chewing through the wattle and daub.
That unlucky person woke up to find a “six foot circle of wall” had fallen on him and that a mammoth swarm of wasps had followed.
Andrew has warned that this year will be the “year of the insects” because the weather is set to stay warm throughout the summer.
Wasps can sting when threatened and, unlike bees, can attack people multiple times.
Although not deadly to most people, the injection of venom with each sting can cause intense pain.
However, people with an allergy to insect stings could have much more averse and deadly reactions.
The news comes as beachgoers battle with swarms of ladybirds at popular holiday destinations.
The hot weather has brought with it the biggest swarm of ladybirds since 1976, which spread across beaches in areas like Weston-Super-Mare.
Videos show Brits fleeing from the bugs, locking themselves in cars and restaurants to escape the creepy-crawlies.
What to do if you are stung by a wasp?
Wasp stings can be extremely painful and, in some cases, deadly.
Their sting works by injecting you with venom and, unlike bees, they can sting you more than once.
Doctors say that you should immediately wash the site with soap and water, before using a cold compress for twenty minutes.
Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can also help to reduce pain.
However, you should go to A&E if you experience severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, throat swelling or dizziness.
These can be signs of a severe allergic reactions.
Anyone with a known allergy to wasp stings must carry their EpiPen with them at all times.
5
5
