618% more wasps this summer? How to enjoy your BBQ without becoming lunch
This summer, the wasp is buzzing louder than ever — and not just in gardens. Experts at Rentokil Pest Control have revealed a staggering 618% increase in wasp enquiries this June compared to the same month last year, with the trend rising steadily over recent years.
The rise in the number of wasps is no accident. As warmer weather arrived earlier this year, coupled with multiple heat waves across the UK, the conditions were perfect for wasps to thrive and multiply.
From January to June, Rentokil reported a 248% increase in wasp enquiries compared to the same period in 2024.
If you thought this ‘waspfestation’ was behind us, experts have said things are only going to get worse down the road. The Common and German Wasp — two of the most widespread species in the UK — typically begin foraging more aggressively in late summer, once the sugary secretions produced by larvae in the nest are no longer available.
This change, along with the breakdown of the nest’s social structure, drives adult wasps further from their colonies and into closer contact with people. If you can, avoid these wasps, as their stings hurt, and do require some careful care if you have been affected.
To help avoid painful stings, Rentokil recommends a few simple precautions: remain calm around wasps, avoid strong scents and bright clothing, keep food and drink covered when eating outdoors, and ensure children’s hands and faces are clean after consuming sweets.
For those who are stung, home remedies such as vinegar, salt water, onion juice, or a cold compress may help to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
While nests can sometimes be treated with DIY products, Rentokil strongly advises against this — especially later in the season, when nests are larger and wasps more aggressive. Their BPCA-certified technicians provide tailored treatments to safely remove nests and help prevent future infestations.
With the ‘waspfestation’ at record levels, taking the right precautions could make all the difference in staying safe this summer.