Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe UK is experiencing a significant increase in wasp numbers this season, following its warmest spring on record. Experts attribute this rise to the mild winter and record-warm, dry spring, which created ideal conditions for more wasp queens to survive and establish colonies. Despite their unpopularity, wildlife professors Adam Hart and Seirian Sumner emphasise that the abundance of wasps is beneficial for the environment, as they are essential pest controllers, pollinators, and predators. The current influx is particularly noticeable because 2024 saw a marked decrease in wasp populations, though overall numbers remain lower than those observed 30 or 40 years ago. Due to the warm weather, wasps are appearing at picnics earlier than the usual late August, and advice for avoiding stings includes staying still and offering them food. In fullWhy wasp numbers are booming in the UK - and why it’s actually a good thingThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Wasps are ‘widely vilified’ but ‘essential’ this spring
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe UK is experiencing a significant increase in wasp numbers this season, following its warmest spring on record. Experts attribute this rise to the mild winter and record-warm, dry spring, which created ideal conditions for more wasp queens to survive and establish colonies. Despite their unpopularity, wildlife professors Adam Hart and Seirian Sumner emphasise that the abundance of wasps is beneficial for the environment, as they are essential pest controllers, pollinators, and predators. The current influx is particularly noticeable because 2024 saw a marked decrease in wasp populations, though overall numbers remain lower than those observed 30 or 40 years ago. Due to the warm weather, wasps are appearing at picnics earlier than the usual late August, and advice for avoiding stings includes staying still and offering them food. In fullWhy wasp numbers are booming in the UK - and why it’s actually a good thingThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
