Giant wasp nest as big as a beach ball found in UK as experts warn of sudden spike ‘unlike anything seen in 40 years’
A GIANT wasp nest as big as a beach ball was spotted in the UK as experts have warned of a sudden spike in callouts “unlike anything seen in 40 years.”
Pest control firms have reported a rise in “bigger and more difficult” wasp nests, despite the UK approaching winter.
Experts said the “highly unusual” sure in wasp reports is down to warmer weather which has given wasps better access to food sources.
Jacquie Clark, managing director of Randall Crawford Pest Control said her business had never seen such an influx of calls in November.
She described how the company, which has been running for over 40 years, now receives daily callouts for larger and more heavily populated nests.
The managing director told The Belfast Telegraph: “To say it’s unusual would be an understatement.
“We have been 40 years in this trade, and I have honestly never heard of wasp nest problems in November – but we are now taking daily calls from people asking for help.
“The first frost would normally get rid of them – but we haven’t had that yet.”
Pictures show staff removing enormous nests from people’s houses, garages, and sheds.
While a typical wasp nest can hold up to 10,000 wasps, Jacquie said recent nests they have encountered have been bigger and more difficult to control.
However, as the weather begins to get colder, wasp activity should die down as males die off and females begin hibernation.
If a large number of wasps are seen around your home, there is likely an active nest nearby, according to The British Pest Control Association.
These hives are typically found under trees, in bushes, wall cavities, or in sheds and garages.
Concerns have arose that people could disturb these nests, especially those in sheds garages in the days ahead as homeowners reach for Christmas decorations.
This comes after a summer of warnings for deadly Asian hornets which have begun to be sighted across the UK.
Brits were warned to be vigilant after more than two dozen of the deadly hornets were spotted across the UK between January and September this year.
Experts sounded the alarm after a nest was also uncovered amid fears of an invasion in the next couple of years.
Scientists have pleaded with Brits to report any sightings of the frightening pests, whose stings can be deadly.
Asian hornets eat bees and can demolish their hives in a matter of hours.
They have a 6mm stinger capable of striking repeatedly – and once they succeed a pheromone is released that drives them all crazy to kill, beekeepers have previously told The Sun.
How to spot a giant Asian hornet
HERE are the essential tips to be able to identify a giant Asian hornet.
- They are similar to European hornets
- Their abdomen has a dark brown or velvety colour
- The fourth segment of their abdomen is yellow
- They have bright yellow tips on legs
- They are not active at night
- Workers can be up to 25mm in length
- They hunt honey bees
- Their nests can be in trees or man made structures