(
https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/eden-unit-team)
(
https://bpca.org.uk/wasps) Don’t get stung this Summer
In this feature, trade body the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) gives us some wasp advice for cleaning contractors.
Wasps can be a common hazard for people working in the cleaning industry, particularly during the late summer months when wasp colonies are at their peak.
The BPCA is encouraging cleaning contractors to be aware of the dangers posed by wasps and understand when to seek help from a pest management professional.
Why are wasps a hazard?
More than half of the UK is likely to be stung by an insect at some point in their lifetime by one of the hundreds of stinging species in the UK. Wasp and bee stings are most likely to cause an allergic reaction – usually pain, redness and swelling. However, a small percentage cause anaphylaxis, an allergic reaction that can be fatal.
Dr Andrew Whyte, a Consultant Allergist and Immunologist at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, advises getting as much information as possible about a stinging insect, as the venom produced varies between species. Dr Whyte said: “In adults, insect stings cause up to a quarter of cases of anaphylaxis, making it a very important public health issue particularly in those occupationally exposed to stings.”
Dee Ward-Thompson, Head of Technical at the BPCA, said: “When threatened, social wasps can emit a pheromone which acts as a distress call to others in the colony, triggering a defensive stinging frenzy. So, if you scare a wasp, it might call for backup. Multiple stings could cause you extreme harm and can even be fatal.”
Identifying nests
Made from a material similar to papier-mâché, wasp nests are commonly found under the eaves of houses, in wall cavities, sheds and garages – although pest professionals have reported finding nests everywhere from toilet cisterns and brass instruments to bins, outdoor furniture and beds.
46 | PEST CONTROL
Dee continued: “Starting off around the size of a golf ball in early spring, a wasp nest will be home to a solitary queen and a few workers. As the colony grows, hundreds of wasps build the nest, which can expand to the size of a beach ball to accommodate them all. Each one is a unique piece of architecture that is home to around 5000 wasps during the peak activity of late summer.”
A pest professional can help identify nuisance insects and recommend action to be taken, as treatment for wasps and bees is very different. If possible and safe, take a photo of the insects to help with identification.
Tackle a wasp nest safely
Prevention is always better than cure, so simple steps such as installing fly screens as well as keeping bins closed and sited away from buildings can help deter wasps. An annual check in early spring is useful as the nests will be small and products such as sprays may possibly be used to deal with the problem.
If the wasp nest isn’t in an area with high traffic and you don’t feel there is any threat, you could leave it be. Wasps are still pollinators and they will abandon a colony in the autumn, at which point empty nests can safely be removed. DIY products are not suitable for larger nests – particularly in late summer when wasps can become aggressive.
Dee added: “We always advise seeking help from a pest management professional when dealing with established wasp nests. BPCA members have the technical knowledge, protective equipment and access to professional-use insecticides needed to tackle a wasp nest safely.”
All BPCA members are trained and insured. You may even be able to negotiate a referral fee. To find a trusted pest controller to partner with this summer, use BPCA’s ‘find a pest controller’ tool on our website.
www.bcpa.org.uk/wasps twitter.com/TomoCleaning
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
