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Table of contents:
THE DANGERS - WHY WE CONTROL WASPS
The professional pest control industry says that "where possible it is worth leaving wasp nests to continue their valuable activities." - BPCA
Wasps are important pollinators and play a vital role in reducing pest populations by feeding on caterpillars and other insects. If you have discovered wasps on or near your property, can you leave them alone?
Have you found a nest in an old shed but they're no threat to children, pets or neighbours? Or right down the end of the garden? You probably are aware that a wasp nest becomes redundant towards the end of the year, with the whole colony dying off.
The next sentence from the BPCA just quoted is: "However, there can come a time when the presence of wasps is detrimental to public health.”
When a wasp nest has proximity to a home, business, children, pets, neighbours and groups of people, the dangers of wasps become a reality that can prove to be a serious hazard.
Why are wasps dangerous?
They are one of the country's most feared and potentially aggressive pests. Wasps are known for their nasty stings, sometimes stinging repeatedly in what can seem to be an unprovoked attack. As social insects, one wasp in distress can emit a pheromone calling for back up from other colony members who are nearby, which can cause a stinging frenzy.
Children, the elderly, pets and people with allergies are particularly sensitive to stings. Anaphylactic shock is a reaction to wasp stings and is a potentially life threatening condition requiring urgent medical attention.
Last summer (2022) a man living in rural West Dorset was stung by a wasp, not realising that there was a nest in a leaf pile. As I arrived the following day, he was just returning from hospital. His arm was so swollen, it looked twice the size of the other arm.
Last week, July 2023, on a warm summer day, a lady for whom I had done a previous ant treatment, was out in her garden in her T-shirt with some hedge cutters and was about to do some trimming when she fortunately spotted a nest as she was about to slice it open. The consequences of doing so are not a pleasant thought, but show the worst case reality of wasps and nests.
The dangers of wasps to a business
Wasps can endanger the reputation of a business. Shop, pub and restaurant owners need to be aware of the impact that wasps can have on their clientele.
Wasp activity can spoil your customer experience, resulting in them complaining, refusing to pay, requesting a refund or providing a critical review.
How to control the dangers of wasps
Three Counties Pest Control can provide professional pest control advice and solutions to help businesses minimise the threat of a wasp presence to their property. Contact details are available from the 'Contact Us' button below.
We also provide a free, comprehensive pest awareness advice sheet entitled 'Worried about wasps?' which you can download here.
Three Counties Pest Control have the expertise, equipment and range of professional insecticides to safely deal with a nest.
Why not ask us about nest removal.
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