Early May Wasp Nests

Wow, we have been getting calls in Basingstoke and Newbury to treat wasps nests now in May. It seems to early to be seeing active nests but on arrival at these customers homes, we were surprised to find active wasps nests. Usually we start to get wasps calls in mid to late June but this year it has been early May. There couple be a couple of possible explanations for such early insect activity this year. The first reason is the unusually warm and dry weather we have been receiving in the South of England. April was the driest on record and Easter was also very warm. The gorgeous weather started in March and we believe that this may have caused hybernating queen wasps to emerge early. Due to the abundance of available food (other insects), the hybernating queens have experienced an excellent survival rate. The second reason for increased early insect activity could possibly be related the Covid 19 Lockdown in England that has led to a huge decrease in vehicle and factory production emissions in turn leading to a dramatic decrease in air polution. Improved air quality and a reduction in human movement appears to be leading to surge in new wildlife sightings in residential areas. Both wild mammals and insects are benefiting from the Covid Lockdown. Insects in particular and especially winged insects that relie heavily on air quality and warm weather for a successful start to the year and that is why we are seeing this unusual start to the year.

Check out this related story in the Basingstoke Gazette this week.

Link here ->