Every year in late summer, homeowners across the UK face what’s often described as an invasion of drunken wasps. The wasps feed on apples that have dropped from the trees and started to rot. As the fruit turns, it begins to ferment into something close to cider, and that’s what leaves the wasps drunk.
The drunkenness itself isn’t really the issue. The worry is that a drunk wasp is far more likely to attack people. Through the summer, wasps happily feed on flies and caterpillars, but as the season wears on that food source dwindles. They turn to windfall apples instead, and that’s when the trouble starts.
Research last year pointed to roughly a 40% drop in insect species, driven by changes to their habitat. Britain used to have more small family farms with open pastures and hedgerows, and those hedgerows were a haven for all kinds of wildlife, insects included. With fewer small farms there are now fewer hedgerows and fewer insects, so wasps are forced to look elsewhere for food.
There was a story in the news of a two-year-old boy repeatedly stung by wasps from a nest hidden underneath a playground slide. He was stung 12 times and in serious pain by the time his mother rushed him to hospital. Three of the wasps had flown drunkenly into his hair and couldn’t get back out. The stings caused serious swelling, and the little boy was understandably very upset.
It pays to be prepared for the drunken wasps of late summer. There are a few things you can do to keep them away from your home and garden. Peppermint oil diluted with water and sprayed around the house, garden and even your clothing is an effective deterrent. Fly screens on doors and windows will also help stop wasps getting indoors.
If you’ve noticed a large swarm near your home, or spotted a nest, give us a call. Our wasp control specialists can clear the wasps for you so you can enjoy the rest of the summer in peace. We’re open every day except Christmas Day, from early until late.