Brits have been warned to keep an eye out for “drunk” wasps which have been plaguing parts of the UK. The warning, issued to residents of East Riding, comes as the creatures have been seen feasting on fermenting fruit in the area.
Public urged to avoid disturbing nests
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) urged the public to avoid disturbing the nests, which can cause wasps to attack. Eating the fermented fruit makes the wasps more inebriated and more aggressive, it added.
Natalie Bungay, head of membership and technical at BPCA, said: “Like bees and hornets, wasps are pollinators and, where possible, are best left alone.”
What is a “drunken wasp”?
If residents believe a nest should be removed, they should contact the BPCA, she adds. The elderly and young children are most at risk from the insects.
Drunken wasps are a known phenomenon in the late summer, reports The Sun. It happens when the insects look for rotten produce to feast on.
Natalie said: “This happens when the queen stops producing eggs and the workforce has nothing to do other than look for fermented fruits and sugars.
“Wasps quickly get inebriated and this is typically when you can expect them to be more aggressive and likely to sting.”
What does the NHS say?
The NHS says insect bites or stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days. However, it warns that sometimes they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction.
It says you should call 999 if you have any of the following symptoms: your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen; you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air); your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow; your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet); you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy; someone faints and cannot be woken up; a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face).
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.
