Well-known pest control company reports massive increase in wasp callouts

A pest control business has experienced an 83 per cent increase in wasp callouts between January and September this year, when compared with the same period last year.

Rentokil, a UK multinational company which has a base in Naas, is warning the public to treat wasps with caution at this time of year.

It explained: "Existing worker wasps can become disoriented due to this change."

"As they no longer have the abundance of food they were accustomed to during the warm summer months, this can add to their agitation and increase the likelihood of them interacting with humans as they seek out other food sources."

Rentokil added that it expects that as a result of climate change and rising temperatures, wasp and other pest insect populations will continue to grow in the years to come.

The top five counties that have accounted for wasp callouts so far this year are:

• Mayo: 26 per cent
• Galway: 15 per cent
• Sligo: 13 per cent
• Limerick: 6 per cent
• Monaghan: 8 per cent

Half price transport should be extended for 19-23 year old students - Kildare senator

Bus

Commenting on the news, Richard Faulkner, the Advanced Technical Field Consultant for Rentokil, said: "Wasps are most aggressive during the Autumn months."

"If you are experiencing high numbers of wasps in your home or garden there is likely to be a nest nearby."

"A wasp sting can be a painful experience and can be particularly upsetting and frightening for young children."

He added that in order to avoid stings and stay safe, the best course of action is to avoid the nest, and consider having it treated.

"You do not need to have the nest removed in its entirety," he added.

Rentokil also listed a number of steps that people can take to avoid attracting or being stung by wasps:

• Do not panic - If you find there are wasps nearby keep calm and move slowly away.
• Do not scream, flap your arms or swat them - This will agitate wasps and make them more aggressive.
• Avoid strong, sweet smells – Avoid using highly perfumed fragrances, shampoos, or hair sprays.
• Avoid bright colours - Do not wear bright, bold floral patterns on clothes and bags, which could attract wasps.
• Keep your bins covered – Wasps will gather around uncovered bins to seek food.
• Avoid open drinks - If drink cans or bottles are left unattended, it may encourage wasps to crawl inside.
• Never leave sugary drinks unattended. Also, always check sugary drinks for wasps before consuming.
• Cover food and drink - Always keep food and drink covered when eating outdoors to deter wasps.
• Stay clean - Ensure children’s hands and faces are cleaned after eating food and drinks.

The Common wasp and German wasp are the two most common wasp species in Ireland.

Wasps are distinct from hornets and bees and identifying them is important for homes or businesses that experience an infestation from a nearby nest.

Further information about properly identifying wasps, hornets, or bees by visiting the Rentokil website.

Rentokil employs 43,000 people across 83 different countries.

In addition to its Naas branch, the company also has bases in Sligo, Limerick, Dublin, Offaly, Tipperary and Belfast.

In this week's Leinster Leader Sport

Another hectic weekend of action