Craig McDonald, 38, has been forced to repeatedly flee thousands of wasps that infested his top-floor flat in Greenock, Scotland, descending on him, his dog, and two cats in a relentless two-week assault. He and his pets have been "getting stung all the time" since the aggressive insects set up camp in his bedroom a fortnight ago. He is now unable to enter the room out of fear, causing a "serious impact" on his health and wellbeing.
Landlord accused of inaction
McDonald has hit out at his landlord, Oak Tree Housing Association, for failing to deal with the "nasty" situation. He claims they denied it could be a wasp's nest due to the time of year, despite the country having just entered peak wasp season. The housing association has not removed the nest or rid the property of insects, and McDonald fears he may have to leave his home altogether until the infestation is cleared.
McDonald said: "This is having a serious impact on my health. I am worried about my dogs and my cat. I have not had a decent sleep in 10 days. I can’t get to my bed. We are getting stung all the time. It is nasty."
Failed pest control attempts
He recounted his interactions with Oak Tree: "I had contacted Oak Tree and they told me it couldn’t be a wasps’ nest because of the time of year. Then they sent in pest control. The guy was spraying something on to the roof. But then he went and put on all his protective gear, while I was standing in a pair of trousers, and asked me to help plug the gaps." The treatment made no difference, and the nest remains. Environmental health directed him back to Oak Tree.
The wasps entered through cracks in the ceiling. McDonald noted his neighbour's concern about something in the loft, but Oak Tree initially suggested it might be rare bats and advised leaving them alone. Soon after, wasps appeared in his bedroom.
Peak wasp season
The infestation coincides with peak wasp season, when nests are built and populations multiply between April and October. Numbers rise sharply from June to July, peak in August, and decline as temperatures cool. Warm weather spurs wasp activity, and heatwaves increase their movement.
Oak Tree has arranged for pest control to visit again, but McDonald warned he would not be in, as he had been forced to leave for a period. He stated: "I needed a break, so I went to my mum’s, and I told Oak Tree this. I told them to send someone the day after, and I would arrange to be in. They need to do something." He added: "I cannot live in here. It is a health hazard. I am in agony from the stings. It is horrendous. I am worried about my pets."
In response, Oak Tree Housing said: "We are aware of the issue raised by Mr McDonald and are dealing with him directly with a view to resolving the matter as quickly as possible. As this concerns an individual tenant and his home, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further on the details of the case."
