It’s bad news if you’ve got a brightly-coloured car (Image: Getty )
A managing director of a motoring company is encouraging owners of brightly colored cars to remain alert in the upcoming days, as they may be more prone to being ‘targeted’. With temperatures set to rise again next week, hitting up to 30C in southern regions on Wednesday, July 9, drivers of specific vehicles might want to exercise ‘extra caution’.
The alert is issued because wasps tend to be more lively in warm weather, particularly in the summer months. Increased temperatures enhance their metabolism and activity as they search for food and water to support their growing colonies.
This increased activity can lead to more encounters with humans, including while driving, and wasps may act more aggressively if they feel threatened. Even though wasps contribute to pollination and are a part of the natural ecosystem in the UK, they also present a distinct risk to drivers.
Wasps are usually attracted to bright colours, especially those that mimic flowers, like yellow and white. These hues can entice wasps as they associate them with potential food sources such as nectar. Pest control websites suggest that donning vivid colours, particularly yellow, can inadvertently attract wasps as well.
If a yellow and black striped insect happens to fly into your car and you let yourself get dangerously distracted, you might end up facing a ‘careless driving’ charge if you don’t stay careful or calm. The standard penalty for careless driving is a £100 fine along with three points on your driver’s licence. In more serious situations, cases can be taken to court, where offenders could face significantly higher penalties, usually a fine of up to £2,500 and nine penalty points.
Drivers warned brightly-coloured cars could become a ‘magnet’ this summer (Image: Getty)
However, you can minimise the risks associated with wasps by steering clear of specific air freshener fragrances and ensuring that your vehicle’s front grill is free of dead bugs. Additionally, the colour of your car may influence their likelihood of targeting you, as wasps are especially attracted to white and yellow hues.
Wasps are attracted to shiny surfaces that resemble water or other reflective spots. They may also be enticed by the warmth and potential nesting sites offered by a car, especially if it has been stationary for a while.
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, said: “It’s important we don’t demonise wasps as they play a crucial role as both pollinators and predators. But there’s no getting away from the fact that drivers are prone to panicking when a wasp flies into the open window of a vehicle.”
A recent study by Select Car Leasing revealed that 7% of drivers have been “dangerously distracted” by a flying insect in just the last year. There have been some tragic incidents where a wasp inside a vehicle has caused a severe loss of focus, resulting in fatalities. Mr Conway added: “If a wasp does make its way into your car’s cabin, remain calm and bring your vehicle to a halt as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
The colour of your car might also be a factor in whether they are more likely to target you (Image: Getty)
Wasps are drawn to vivid colours
Research indicates that wasps are particularly attracted to bright colours like white and yellow, which mimic the flowers they visit for nectar.
White seems to be a favourite for these buzzing pests, and they’re also known to gravitate towards pale pinks and greens. Interestingly, the common wasp (vespula vulgaris) is believed to be unable to perceive the colour red, potentially giving red vehicles a stealth advantage.
Keep your car clean
To avoid turning your car into a wasp hotspot, don’t leave sweet treats or their wrappers lying around. Wasps can’t resist the allure of sugary snacks.
It’s also wise to remove dead bugs from your car’s grille, as the pheromones released by squashed insects can attract wasps.
Steer clear of tropical fruit-scented air fresheners
Wasps have a sweet tooth, which is why they’re often seen buzzing around picnics or your open can of fizzy drink. A fruity car air freshener could also lure a peckish wasp into your vehicle.
Instead, consider using essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, which are believed to deter wasps.
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Choose your parking spot wisely
Certain locations attract wasps, so be cautious if you park near lots of blooming plants, under trees, or next to an overflowing bin or recycling point.
Avoid wearing floral prints while driving
Just as wasps might be drawn to yellow or white cars, they could also mistake brightly coloured floral clothes for real flowers. Opting for black and grey shades could be safer, as dark-coloured creatures like blackbirds, magpies, and spiders are natural predators of wasps.
Keep your windows closed
With the mercury rising, it’s a good time to ensure your car’s air conditioning system is working correctly, as a well-functioning air con means there’s no need to roll down your car’s window in the first place. Re-gassing an air conditioning unit costs between £60 and £130, with different vehicles needing different types of refrigerant gas.