Wasp attack fears are soaring this summer as Rentokil Pest Control reports a staggering 618% increase in enquiries in June compared to the same month last year. The early warm weather and frequent heatwaves have created ideal conditions for wasps, driving up their activity and prompting a surge in calls for professional help.
Rentokil, the UK’s leading pest control provider, revealed that enquiries from January to June 2025 were up 248% on the same period in 2024, highlighting a significant and sustained rise in wasp-related concerns. A Rentokil spokesman said: “The warm weather earlier in the year has created favourable conditions for wasps to thrive. They are building more nests and seeing a higher survival rate, which means more adult wasps are out and about.” As the summer progresses, the problem is expected to worsen. The spokesman explained: “The most common species of wasps found in the UK, such as the Common and German Wasp, will begin to look for alternative carbohydrate sources in late summer.
“This is because the sugary secretions provided by wasp larvae in the nest will no longer be available to them.”
“This forces adult wasps to venture further from their nests, often bringing them into direct contact with people. As the social order of the nest breaks down, wasps become more aggressive in their search for food, which leads to an increased risk of encounters with humans.”
Wasps are a natural part of the UK’s ecosystem and play a role in controlling other insect populations. However, they are also capable of delivering painful stings that can cause serious reactions in some people.
The spokesman advised the public to take simple precautions to avoid stings: “If you find wasps nearby, keep calm and move away slowly. Don’t panic, scream, flap your arms, or swat at them, as this will only agitate them and increase the likelihood of being stung.”
He added: “Avoid strong, sweet smells such as highly perfumed fragrances, shampoos, or hair sprays, and steer clear of bright, bold floral clothing, which can attract wasps. Also, avoid orchards, soft fruit plants, and uncovered bins, where wasps are often found searching for food.”
Open drinks and uncovered food outdoors are another major attractant. The spokesman continued: “Always keep your food and drink covered when eating outside to deter wasps. It’s also important to keep children’s hands and faces clean after eating sweet foods or drinks.
“Dabbing the sting with hot water under pressure can help reduce swelling. Keeping the area cool with water, a compress, or ice also soothes the pain. Some home remedies, such as rubbing juice from a cut onion or applying a saltwater solution, have anti-inflammatory effects. Vinegar is another option, as its acidity can neutralise the sting’s alkalinity.”
“If you have a wasp infestation, do not attempt to remove the nest yourself, especially if you are sensitive to stings. Wasps will become aggressive when defending their nests, increasing the risk of multiple stings.”
In the UK, wasps typically build nests in sheltered areas such as eaves, wall cavities, and garden sheds. The Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and German Wasp (Vespula germanica) are the species most often encountered. Both are social insects living in colonies that can number in the thousands by late summer.
While wasp stings are usually painful but not dangerous, some individuals can experience severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
With summer in full swing and wasps more active than usual, the message is clear: stay alert, take sensible precautions, and seek professional help if nests become a problem. The surge in enquiries reflects growing public concern, and experts warn the wasp season is far from over.
