02.08.2019, 01:13
Worried About Wasps
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has published a guide to assist facilities managers in combating threats to people and assets from wasps.
With soaring summer temperatures and more people embracing the outdoors, the BPCA forecasts a rise in wasp activity.
Technical Officer, Natalie Bungay, says:
“Commercial and public sector premises can be affected by wasp outbreaks that can result in damaging complaints when employees, customers or visitors are stung.
“The matter becomes more serious when a sting sends someone into anaphylaxis which is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, and can even effect people who have previously been stung by wasps without experiencing a reaction.
“Although wasps on premises usually suggest a nearby nest, facilities managers should note nests need not always be destroyed as, for example, when they are situated well away from a building, or in a rarely used part of its grounds where disturbance is unlikely.
“However, when wasps are causing a nuisance or endangering human health, steps may need to be taken and we always advise appointing pest management professionals as they have appropriate technical knowledge, protective equipment, and access to a range of professional products”.
The ‘Worried About Wasps’ guide includes information on wasp biology and behaviour, prevention and control, and can be downloaded from https://bpca.org.uk/wasps (the page also hosts a short video on the same topic).
BPCA’s ‘Find a pest controller tool’ can also be accessed at https://bpca.org.uk/find, and includes information on pest management companies that are properly insured and employ qualified technicians who have been audited to British and European standards.
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