Take note – those pesky wasps are coming.
Irish pest control company Rentokil has revealed that it has experienced a 136% increase in wasp callouts over the past two summers.
The summer just gone was the highest level of wasp callouts that they have dealt with in the past six years.
Rentokil also revealed the counties where they had to make the most callouts during the summer. Cork was the highest, accounting for 29% of all callouts, while Mayo wasn’t far behind with 28%.
Sligo accounted for 10% of all callouts, followed by Kildare with 7%. Unlucky lads.
Rentokil also warned the public to treat the stinging insects with caution as the early autumn period – now – is when they are most aggressive.
Rentokil said not to panic if you encounter a wasp and provided the following tips to deal with an encounter.
- Keep calm and move slowly away.
- Don’t scream or try to swat them, as that will make them more agressive.
- Try to avoid strong, sweet smells, including highly perfumed fragrances or shampoos.
- Also try to avoid bright colours, especially floral clothes. Bad news for every single Irish dad and their pair of trusty floral shorts.
- Keep your bins covered, avoid open drinks, and try to stay clean.
Good advice, you’d have to say.
Dr Colm Moore, Area Technical Manager for Rentokil said: “Rentokil has seen a huge increase in wasp callouts over the last two summers. As temperatures continue to rise as a result of climate change, insect populations will thrive, and wasps are no exception.
“The early autumn period is when people need to exercise the most caution around them. Mature nests towards the start of autumn can sometimes contain thousands of wasps, and this is also when they’re most active and aggressive.”
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