Midsummer Madness!
We are now over half way through the summer and with record breaking temperatures and even flooding, the environment is certainly changing. Already this year we have seen vast numbers of flying ants on several occasions, with numbers so large that great swarms even appeared on weather radars giving the false impressions of rain clouds! Birds were in the news when licences for culling were suspended (and indeed are still in doubt) giving the chance for some species numbers to swell rapidly, which could have a dramatic effect in the future. Nesting birds can also cause problems, not only with...
Read MoreThe summer is shaping up!
As the temperatures have slowly risen the wasp season has started with a bang! The calls for wasps’ nests and wasp invasions have dramatically increased over the last couple of days and it is likely to continue for the rest of the season until late Autumn. So far the majority of wasps’ nests have been situated in gardens, mainly shrubs, hedges and in the ground. This is slowly being replaced by building invasions taking place where wasps are entering properties via gaps in brickwork, air bricks, under roof tiles and via gaps in lead flashing. It is very important before commencing any...
Read MoreFAST FACTS – WASPS
A wasp can fly faster than a running human! If you try and swat a wasp, it will emit a pheromone which will attract other wasps. Only female wasps can sting and it is used as a way of defence. They can sting multiple times, unlike a bee that can only sting once. The two main species of wasp in the UK are Vespula vulgaris and Vespula germanica. The Queen wasps come out of hibernation, usually in early April to commence nest building. When the first batch of eggs hatch out and pupate into wasps, these will then support the Queen by bringing back food and continuing the nest building, allowing...
Read MoreWASPS AND HONEY BEES
As the summer period progresses and autumn rapidly approaches, wasps can become more of a problem, not only to humans, but to the general bee population as well. There are six species of wasp in the United Kingdom that could cause serious problems for bees and these include the common wasp, the German wasp and the European hornet. Their respective nests can be found in trees, shrubs, hedges, underground and in many cases human properties! This year, so far, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of nests found in general houses, outbuildings, such as sheds or garages and even in...
Read MoreWASP UPDATE
Wasps are now really active in all the local areas of Dorset including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Verwood and Ringwood in Hampshire. Wasp nests are being found in properties in roof voids, in gardens, in bushes, trees, outbuildings and even in the ground from West Moors to Sandbanks, Wimborne to Highcliffe and Branksome to Ferndown. Wasps are very good at adapting the local environment to suit their needs and this is especially true when foliage is removed to allow easier flight paths to an established wasps nest. They can also excavate soil at an alarming rate to increase underground...
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