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The wasp is widely regarded as a nuisance with a potent sting, they
feed on insect larvae, meat and fruit. Despite this they are actually
a beneficial insect but can cause damage to wooden structures as they
gather wood to construct their nests
With typical "workers" reaching
lengths approximately 16-18mm the wasp is yellow/black in appearance.
Forming large colonies, the Queen
will spend winter hibernating under shelter and emerges in spring to
establish a new nest. Her first offspring are workers which take over
nest chores which can reach the size of a football.
By the end of summer a typical nest
population could be up to several thousand wasps! A colony then
produces new mated queens in autumn and then dies out during the
winter although the occasional nest can survive during the winter
months and continue to grow.
Advice for Wasps:
Wasp control can be established by
several techniques including surface sprays (where possible),
aerosols, powders and smoke generators.
Wasps aggressively defend their nest
by swarming out to attack a disturbance - the sting is painful whilst
multiple stings or a sting in the throat can be dangerous or even
fatal. Because of this Agropharm recommend that any insecticides
should be applied when the nest is at its quietest. Precautions should
be taken against personal attack from agitated wasps - if you are a
not a professional pest controller we recommend seeking the advice of
a professional to remove the nest. |