Urgent warning to Brits over an influx of WASPS

Urgent warning to Brits over an influx of WASPS,

With temperatures across parts of the UK set to hit 26°C this week, many Brits will be looking forward to enjoying the sunshine.

But a new warning might make you think twice before heading out into the garden. 

Rentokil Pest Control has issued an urgent warning over an influx of wasps. 

Wasp nest activity has spiked by 61 per cent year–on–year, signalling an active start to the season, according to the experts. 

While most people think of wasp nests forming in trees, Rentokil’s technicians warn that they can actually form in everything from garden furniture to boots.

Grisly photos released by Rentokil even show a wasp nest inside a teddy bear. 

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Billy Miller, the Rentokil Pest Control technician who discovered the bear in Newcastle, said. ‘At first, I thought the nest was in a bin bag, but when I moved it, I discovered an old teddy bear underneath. 

‘The wasps had built a nest in the cavity where its face had once been. Poor teddy!’

While most people think of wasp nests forming in trees, Rentokil’s technicians warn that they can actually form in everything from garden furniture to boots

Grisly photos released by Rentokil even show a wasp nest inside a teddy bear

According to Rentokil, residential wasp nest activity has increased by 61 per cent year–on–year from Q2 2024 to Q2 2025. 

‘As daylight hours increase and temperatures begin to climb, queen wasps emerge from their winter hibernation in search of somewhere to build nests,’ explained Paul Blackhurst, Head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control.

Normally, the nests start small – but they soon grow and become much more difficult to contain. 

‘What starts as a small nest in spring can quickly develop into a large, highly active colony by the height of summer,’ Mr Blackhurst said.

‘The earlier a nest is identified and treated, the easier and safer it is to manage.’

Wasps like to build new nests in sheltered, dry, and structurally sound locations – but they’re not fussy. 

‘They’re not fussy about where they set up home, and anywhere warm, sheltered and undisturbed will do,’ said Mr Blackhurst.

‘Which is why people can find nests tucked into bags left in the garage, inside their wellington boots, or deep inside garden furniture.’

Normally, the nests start small – but they soon grow and become much more difficult to contain 

If you do spot what you think is a wasp nest in your home or garden, you might be tempted to turn to social media for answers. 

A quick search online reveals several questionable hacks for tackling wasp nests, including burning, flooding, or even bashing. 

However, Mr Blackhurst warns that these dodgy hacks can actually end up doing more harm than good. 

He said: ‘Tackling a wasp nest yourself can be extremely dangerous.

‘Disturbing a nest may trigger aggressive behaviour and increase the risk of multiple stings.’

If you suspect a nest is present, Rentokil advises you arrange professional treatment – particularly as colonies become larger and more defensive throughout the summer months.

With the unusually warm weather forecast for this weekend, experts have warned that wasps may also be more likely to sting. 

Usually, wasps are most aggressive in the late–autumn. 

However, this year’s hot spring has created perfect nesting conditions, and colonies have ‘exploded’ in size far earlier than normal. 

Laurence Edwards, a leading beekeeper and entomologist, called this a ‘perfect swarm’ of environmental factors.  

‘It’s a perfect swarm and it means that everyone should be on the lookout – both for their own safety and that of other insects, such as bees,’ he explained. 

The wasp’s sting is designed as a self–defence mechanism but, unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times.