PEOPLE should be on their guard for wasps according to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), as a significant increase is anticipated this summer.

This season could be a bumper year as wasp populations traditionally rise and fall in a two-year pattern – with BPCA records showing the UK was inundated in 2016, followed by a distinct lull in numbers in 2017.

But while we can expect an increase in numbers this year, a BPCA member expert says changes in wasp activities are making it a challenge to accurately predict.

They explained that while the two-year cycle was once a reliable measure, wasp patterns are changing over the longer term - making predictions on their numbers increasingly difficult to call.

Variations in farming practices are said to be one of the major influences behind changes in wasp numbers.

Dee Ward-Thompson, BPCA technical manager, said: “We don’t know yet what 2018 holds, but as wasp patterns become more unpredictable it is important to be aware of their activity.

“Furthermore, treating wasps nest can be even more of a lottery, with risks to safety a real issue.

“Most local authorities now charge for wasp nest treatments, and responding to advertisements placed on signposts without checking credentials isn’t something we would recommend.”

“Wasps are a real nuisance for most, but for some members of the public with certain conditions, wasps can represent a severe threat. Removing wasp nests quickly is important, especially before the latter stages of summer where stings are more likely."