LIMERICK people are warned to be on the lookout as the prevalence of wasps in the county has seen a significant increase.
According to pest control experts, summer BBQs and picnics are a draw to hungry wasps who have to go in search of food during the late summer.
Pest control provider Rentokil have seen a 24 per cent increase in the amount of callouts in Limerick in relation to wasps from January to July this year, compared to the same time last year.
This is the largest increase of wasp callouts anywhere in the country, according to Rentokil.
Colm Moore, Area Technical Manager for Rentokil said that there were a number of tips that people could follow to make sure they don’t get stung.
“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 potentially make them more aggressive, and avoid strong, sweet smells, such as highly perfumed fragrances, shampoos, or hair sprays,” Colm advised.
Mr Moore continued: “Rentokil experiences a notable spike in wasp callouts every three to four years. There is no indication of this trend reversing, suggesting that environmental conditions will strongly support wasp development in Ireland for the foreseeable future,” he concluded.
