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As we come to the end of the wasp season, Cleankill Pest Control Operations Director Jonathan Whitehead has just given me the fi gures for wasp nest call outs in 2022
A GOOD YEAR FOR WASPS
This year we have dealt with 676 nests, compared to 478 in 2021 and 447 in 2020. For the reasons behind the increase, we must consider outside factors such as lockdowns, which may have affected fi gures for pest control companies in both negative and positive ways –
Negative: people didn’t want to invite pest control technicians into their homes during the pandemic;
Positive: they were more likely to fi nd a nest that was a nuisance in their home. However, even if we take these factors into account, our figures definitely suggest there has been a significant increase in the number of wasp nests causing people problems.
The average nest contains three to fi ve thousand wasps, although a big nest could have up to 10,000 wasps. An increase in nests therefore also means a signifi cant increase in wasps.
When I say wasps, I am essentially referring to yellowjackets; what Dr Hannah Fry referred to as ‘stripey jerks’ on Radio 4’s ‘The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry’.
WHY HAVE WE SEEN AN INCREASE IN WASP NUMBERS THIS YEAR?
One reason could be the heatwave we had in July. This allowed wasps to be more active. Wasps thrive in warm weather, meaning they produce more offspring and that ultimately means more nests. At the same time, warm weather also means more small insects to the wasps to predate. Their papery nests are quicker and easier to build in warm weather too.
Therefore, an increase in the number of wasps isn’t just good for pest controllers, it is also a sign that biodiversity has improved.
IS THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF WASPS A GOOD SIGN?
Well, there was a massive decline in wasp numbers in 2012 that experts predicted could take several years to recover. In that sense, the news of a bumper year for wasps is good news in terms of biodiversity.
However, for us the answer isn’t always so clear. Increases in wasp numbers goes hand in hand with more and more wasps building nests in places that could be a nuisance for humans. Wasps don’t spread diseases so they aren’t a problem in themselves, but if they decide to nest in your home there is far greater chance of you being stung.
For most people who are not allergic, the primary issue with having a wasp nest in your home is the nuisance value of being stung – extremely unpleasant but not life-threatening – and the insects buzzing around your home.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND AN ACTIVE WASP NEST
Our advice, leave wasp nests alone and call a professional pest control company to come and deal with it. A wasp nest could contain at least 4,000 wasps, and when a wasp is hurt or threatened it will send out a pheromone that alerts the other wasps who will rush to its defence.
A professional pest control technician will have the training and necessary equipment to do the job safely.
Award-winning Cleankill Pest Control deals with ‘distress’ pests such as wasps, fl eas and bedbugs as well as preventative maintenance against public health pests such as mice, rats, cockroaches and pest birds such as pigeons and seagulls. The company prides itself on a fast and efficient service and aims to be recognised as a market leader for innovation, ‘green’ and new pest control techniques.
