Thousands of wasps and large numbers of flying ants are expected to plague Britain in record numbers for the next few weeks, according to Altrincham’s Wyevale Garden Centre groups.
Insect numbers have proliferated because of the favourable weather patterns provided by the hot and dry weather in June and July.
According to experts, as the weather cools, queen insects go into hibernation to get ready for building a new nest the following spring, and the worker wasps consequently become increasingly active.
The hot start to the summer therefore caused a bigger increase in the wasp population.
Duncan Mclean, buyer for Garden Nourish and Control at Wyevale Garden Centres, expects the ‘invasion’ to continue throughout September.
“It is definitely a bumper year for insects, and homeowners can expect the ‘invasion’ to continue for the next few weeks,” he said.
“It’s very likely you will see plenty of wasps around, as they have become more active recently.
“People should be aware of them – although they are part of the balance of nature, as the temperature drops, wasps become more sluggish and aggressive.”
The increase has been projected after a 300 percent year on year rise in sales of Ant repellents and 180 percent of Wasp control products.
Flying ants are being reported in record numbers as they continue their late activity.
Numbers of the insects continue to be seen even after Flying Ant Day which falls between July 31 and August 2 and marks the point when the insects gather in massive numbers to reproduce.
Mr Mclean however claims that there is little to worry about, as there will be an increase in garden spiders that are expected to come to Britain’s rescue.
“As for garden spiders – we have also spotted more numbers of these, not great news for the arachnophobes amongst us, but buoyant numbers of the eight-legged creatures are great for pest consumption in gardens across the country,” he said.
Image courtesy of David Farquhar, with thanks.