Wasps are swarming in larger and more aggressive numbers than ever, with Brits warned to keep their windows shut for the rest of August if they want to keep away the pesky pests
Swarms of aggressive “murder wasps” are set to cause havoc in the UK for the next few weeks, as Brits have been warned to stay indoors by keeping their windows closed to prevent the dangerous insects from entering.
Set to arrive in their thousands today, the aggressive little bugs are set to be everywhere until the end of the month, with pest control companies already seeing a large increase in call-outs to the swarms.
According to UK pest control data, in June, jobs relating to wasps increased by more than six times compared to the same time the year before and those numbers are only set to get worse in August after a warm and wet weather earlier in the year created the perfect conditions for their population to explode. It comes after an exciting heatwave forecast with maps revealing the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK.
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Dr Nathaniel Green, an insect behaviour specialist, said: “We’re seeing nests far larger than normal, which means more wasps and more aggression. Keep your windows shut; otherwise, you’re giving them an open invitation into your home.
“Wasps don’t just sting once and fly away. If they feel threatened, they can sting repeatedly, and that venom can be deadly for someone with an allergy. In a swarm, the danger multiplies.”
While sitting in a beer garden, many people may have already noticed how this year’s bugs seem to be particularly aggressive and bigger than ever in size.
The so-called “murder wasps” are known to repeatedly sting people, which can not only be particularly painful but also be fatal for those who have severe allergies.
Mid-afternoon is peak time for wasps, so as the evening draws on, you should become safer and safer. But during that dangerous time, there are a few things you can do to help deter the unwanted pests.
Cleaning your windows can be a good start, and keeping them shut through the peak time is also a good option.
Dr Green added: “Smears, pollen, dust, these are like signposts for insects. To a wasp, a grimy window can signal a safe, undisturbed place to build a nest. If your windows are filthy, you’re telling them: ‘Nobody’s home, set up camp here’.”
While crystal clear windows can help, there are a few cheap and easy methods that can keep the pests away that don’t involve any harsh chemical repellents.
The experts at Bee Aware Allergy have shared that the secret may actually lie with the humble cucumber.
They said: “Believe it or not, cucumber can help ward off unwanted stinging pests! All you need to do is slice a fresh cucumber and place it on aluminium foil.”
The two things create a chemical reaction that humans can’t get a whiff of, but pests hate, and when put on your windowsill, will leave wasps staying clear.