Britain’s wasp population set to explode this summer with 3,500 for every person in the country
BRITAIN’S wasp population is set to soar by 150 per cent this summer to 235 billion.
Pest control chiefs are bracing themselves for a record number of call-outs with every chance the UK could face another scorching summer this year.
There are estimated to be a million common wasps buzzing around every square mile of Britain.
With 94,058 square miles in the country, that works out at 94billion wasps now — before the boom caused by imminent good weather.
The average nest contains 10,000 wasps, although some can house up to 500,000.
Britain has a human population of around 67million, so if the prediction of a 150 per cent increase in the number of wasps proves accurate, they could outnumber us by 3,500 to one.
But experts say the pests are “essential pollinators” and should not be killed.
A spokesman for wasp deterrent firm Waspinator said: “Wasps, as annoying as they are, are an essential part of nature and of the balance of insect life in your garden.
“And when you kill a wasp it emits a pheromone panic signal which will attract other wasps to see what the problem is.
“Kill a wasp and five more will come to its funeral.”
Home assistance provider HomeServe said it is braced for wasp call-outs to “hit a peak” this summer.
A spokesman suggested keeping doors and windows shut, keeping rubbish away from entry points and filling holes in the walls.
They added: “To deal with wasps, spray them with a solution of washing up liquid and water.
“If you have unsuccessfully tried to deal with your pest yourself, it would be wise to call in a trusted specialist to help get to the root of the issue.”