29/07/2025
Have you noticed the wasps becoming more of a nuisance recently? We’re likely to see a lot more of them around this year.
The warm weather we’ve had means the queens wake earlier and start nesting sooner which gives the colonies more time to grow resulting in larger populations. Wasps are more active in warm conditions and hot summers mean faster egg-layng, more workers and bigger colonies.
Warm weather also boost insect number which are a key food source for wasps.
You’ll see more wasps around in August and September when the workers switch from hunting insects to seeking food elsewhere (ie our drinks and food).
Here’s what you can do to reduce numbers where you are:
- Cover bins and compost
- Keep sugary drinks and food sealed when you’re outdoors
- Don’t swat – this releases a pheromone that can alert other wasps
If your child gets stung:
• put an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a clean cloth soaked in cold water, on the bite or sting for at least 20 minutes, if it's swollen
• keep the area raised if you can
• take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if the sting is painful
• use antihistamines to relieve any itching
• use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling (ask a pharmacist for advice)
• Watch for signs of a serious allergic reaction
