People are being warned to be on the lookout for wasps that are stinging for no reason.
The German wasps – called yellowjackets – have a nastier sting than the common wasp and are currently at their angriest.
They have finished their work – supplying the queen wasps with nectar – and are at a loss for what to do.
They are also feeding on fermenting fruit meaning they may be tipsy and ‘extra bold’.
German wasps are bigger than normal wasps but smaller than hornets, have three black spots on their face, and can sting repeatedly.
Pest controller Paul Bates said: ‘The type of wasp causing most problems is the German wasp which gives a particularly painful sting despite its size.
‘Worker wasps have finished their life’s work as queen wasps have stopped laying and don’t need food bringing to them.
‘This means that the workers are free to go out and enjoy themselves which includes stealing meat from the barbecue.
‘There will also be drunk wasps around who have been feasting on fermented fruit and will be extra bold.
‘All this means that the wasps are likely to sting for no reason and they are now at their most dangerous.’
He added: ‘The advice is to stay calm around the wasps. If you agitate them, they send messages to other wasps that they are under attack and you can end up dealing with a swarm.’
