A Dutch darts player has taken a novel approach to dealing with the infamous Alexandra Palace wasp, bringing insect repellent directly onto the oche during his debut match at the PDC World Darts Championship.
The Wasp's Reign of Terror Continues
Jurjen van der Velde, 23, decided to fight back against the buzzing menace that has become a notorious feature of the tournament. As he walked out for his first-round match against compatriot Danny Noppert, van der Velde brandished a can of Raid fly and wasp killer, spraying it around the stage area to the amusement of the Ally Pally crowd. His proactive measure appeared to work, with the pest leaving the two players undisturbed for the remainder of their encounter.
This year, the wasp has been more headline-grabbing than ever. On the opening night of the championship, defending champion Luke Littler was forced to duck and dive during a post-match interview as the insect buzzed aggressively around him. The 18-year-old later recounted the incident, stating he first saw it during his match before it returned to plague his interview.
A Persistent Foe for Players
The Ally Pally wasp is no stranger to the tournament's stars. Just days before van der Velde's intervention, Ross Smith found the insect on the back of his shirt. This encounter came two years after the same player was stung live on stage in the middle of a match in 2023. Smith's frustration was palpable at the time, labelling the wasp a "little b*****d" after it attacked him.
In a bizarre twist during this year's event, the wasp was even struck mid-flight by a dart thrown by player Nitin Kumar. While fans often joke about it being a single, persistent insect, experts suggest it is more likely several queen wasps drawn to the venue's unique conditions.
Why Are Wasps at Ally Pally in Winter?
The presence of wasps in December is highly unusual. Professor Seirian Sumner of University College London explained to BBC Sport that the heated environment inside Alexandra Palace is likely waking queen wasps prematurely from their hibernation. They are then attracted to the light and heat emanating from the stage area.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) echoed this, noting that queen wasps seek warm, dry locations at this time of year, making the illuminated stage a perfect target. While van der Velde's bug spray solution provided a moment of levity, it highlights an ongoing, sting-in-the-tail issue for one of darts' most prestigious events.
