Overview

• Experts warn swarms of “murder wasps” could arrive across the UK from August 12 until the end of the month, with mid-afternoon identified as peak activity.
• Pest-control firms report a 618% increase in June wasp call-outs compared to 2024 and are bracing for even higher demand through August.
• Dr Nathaniel Green says the unusually large nests have led to more aggressive colonies capable of multiple stings when threatened.
• NHS and NICE figures show two to nine annual UK deaths from wasp stings and indicate wasp-induced anaphylaxis fatalities double those from bee stings.
• Households are advised to keep windows shut, clean them regularly to prevent nesting and rely on professional removal rather than informal remedies.