Latest news with #AndrewDellbridge
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
Spraying a 69p Aldi buy around patios & doors will repel wasps for good – as ‘monster' nests spotted across UK
A 69P Aldi buy is the key to banishing wasps from your home, as experts spot "monster nests" in the UK. Experts have warned that the scorching temperature s we have seen in the UK so far this year have sparked the "year of the insects" with wasps nests as big as space hoppers. 3 3 Andrew Dellbridge of Ace Pest Control revealed that the UK is seeing a "population explosion" of the irritating critters, with wasps becoming aggressive towards humans, and even chewing through plasterboard to make nests. Thankfully, Josh Novell, garden expert at Polhill Garden Centre has revealed a simple hack to get rid of wasps, and you probably already have in it in your kitchen cupboard. 'Garlic is a surprisingly effective wasp repellent,' said Josh. 'Its strong smell overwhelms a wasp's senses and naturally drives them away. It's safe, cheap, and easy to use.' Garlic granules can be picked up from Aldi for just 69p, making this an extremely budget friendly hack. There are a variety of ways you can use the seasoning to banish wasps, including simply placing granules in a bowl and near outdoor seating and food. Alternatively, fill a spray bottle with water and one to two teaspoons of garlic powder. Shake the concoction to mix it, and then spray it around patios, door and bins. Or, you could even grow your own garlic plants in the garden, to repel wasps all year long. Josh also warned against the common trap of setting out a jar or jam or sugar to lure wasps. Killer Asian hornet filmed decapitating and devouring wasp in Kent amid fears of UK-wide invasion 'Sweet traps can attract wasps from neighbouring areas, increasing activity rather than reducing it,' he said. 'You're unintentionally drawing them in.' Pest control expert Andrew revealed that the unprecedented sun the UK enjoyed in spring brought wasps out of hibernation early, giving them more time to grow. This means that their nests are already surpassing last year's size, with months still left to go until they die off. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. He said: "By September-October, the right back end of the season before they all die off, we should be in massive nest territory." "I worry about the big ones", he continued. "I always try to use a comparison - and the space hopper is as big as it can get. "And that hums and it's quite a foe." The expert added that wasps usually become increasingly aggressive in the autumn, but this will also be happening earlier this year, with wasps destroying people's homes to make way for their nests. "I had one yesterday," he said. "Hundreds of wasps piling into someone's house because they literally chewed through already." He added that the number of wasps in nests has grown dramatically this year. "This year, whereas you'd possibly have hundreds, or a thousand or so in there, I'm predicting that we'll have thousands in each nest", he warned. "So you're not going to miss them. We are up for a bit of a challenge I think."
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Urgent warning to Brits over explosion of WASPS with nests the size of space hoppers as population soars
EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning to Brits about a huge "population explosion" of wasps. The swarms of Advertisement 5 Andrew Dellbridge has warned that a huge number of wasps are sweeping across the UK Credit: Credit: Pen News 5 The insects are building nests which are the size of space hoppers Credit: Credit: Pen News/Sam Rushworth 5 The bugs are experiencing a 'population explosion' Credit: Getty However, Andrew Dellbridge of Ace Pest Control in Now, a huge 'population explosion' is underway since the insects have more time to breed. According to him, their numbers are already at the levels you would expect to see in September and Advertisement Read More on UK News Inside each nest, there could be 'thousands' of wasps. Andrew has also warned that their high numbers could make the wasps aggressive, saying: 'When we get into peak production, early autumn time, they ramp up. 'It's all ramped up and their aggression does as well. 'What I would imagine we're going to find shortly is that will ramp up again, so we'll get that mad activity earlier.' Advertisement Most read in Science Exclusive Exclusive The expert says that he has seen hundreds of wasps pile into someone's home, chewing through the wattle and daub. That unlucky person woke up to find a 'six foot circle of wall' had fallen on him and that a mammoth Boy, 2, born with one kidney fights for life after being stung 150 times by wasps when he bumped into nest on toy car Andrew has warned that this year will be the 'year of the insects' because the weather is set to stay warm throughout the summer. Wasps can sting when threatened and, unlike bees, can attack people multiple times. Advertisement Although not deadly to most people, the injection of venom with each sting can cause intense pain. However, people with an allergy to insect stings could have much more averse and deadly reactions. The news comes as beachgoers battle with The hot weather has brought with it the biggest swarm of Advertisement Videos show Brits fleeing from the bugs, locking themselves in cars and restaurants to escape the creepy-crawlies. What to do if you are stung by a wasp? Wasp stings can be extremely painful and, in some cases, deadly. Their sting works by injecting you with venom and, unlike bees, they can sting you more than once. Doctors say that you should immediately wash the site with soap and water, before using a cold compress for twenty minutes. Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can also help to reduce pain. However, you should go to A&E if you experience severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, throat swelling or dizziness. These can be signs of a severe allergic reactions. Anyone with a known allergy to wasp stings must carry their EpiPen with them at all times. 5 Wasps nests can contain thousands of bugs Credit: Getty 5 Wasps have been known to chew through thick materials to break into homes Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning to Brits over explosion of WASPS with nests the size of space hoppers as population soars
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning to Brits about a huge "population explosion" of wasps. The swarms of creepy-crawlies are creating nests as big as space hoppers and one experts has warned that 2025 will be the 'year of the insect'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Andrew Dellbridge has warned that a huge number of wasps are sweeping across the UK Credit: Credit: Pen News 5 The insects are building nests which are the size of space hoppers Credit: Credit: Pen News/Sam Rushworth 5 The bugs are experiencing a 'population explosion' Credit: Getty Wasp populations normally spike towards the very end of the Summer, as the insects prepare to breed before dying in the winter. However, Andrew Dellbridge of Ace Pest Control in Norfolk said hot weather in the Spring has drawn the bugs out early. Now, a huge 'population explosion' is underway since the insects have more time to breed. According to him, their numbers are already at the levels you would expect to see in September and the bugs are constructing nests which are the size of 'space hoppers'. Inside each nest, there could be 'thousands' of wasps. Andrew has also warned that their high numbers could make the wasps aggressive, saying: 'When we get into peak production, early autumn time, they ramp up. 'It's all ramped up and their aggression does as well. 'What I would imagine we're going to find shortly is that will ramp up again, so we'll get that mad activity earlier.' The expert says that he has seen hundreds of wasps pile into someone's home, chewing through the wattle and daub. That unlucky person woke up to find a 'six foot circle of wall' had fallen on him and that a mammoth swarm of wasps had followed. Boy, 2, born with one kidney fights for life after being stung 150 times by wasps when he bumped into nest on toy car Andrew has warned that this year will be the 'year of the insects' because the weather is set to stay warm throughout the summer. Wasps can sting when threatened and, unlike bees, can attack people multiple times. Although not deadly to most people, the injection of venom with each sting can cause intense pain. However, people with an allergy to insect stings could have much more averse and deadly reactions. The news comes as beachgoers battle with swarms of ladybirds at popular holiday destinations. The hot weather has brought with it the biggest swarm of ladybirds since 1976, which spread across beaches in areas like Weston-Super-Mare. Videos show Brits fleeing from the bugs, locking themselves in cars and restaurants to escape the creepy-crawlies. What to do if you are stung by a wasp? Wasp stings can be extremely painful and, in some cases, deadly. Their sting works by injecting you with venom and, unlike bees, they can sting you more than once. Doctors say that you should immediately wash the site with soap and water, before using a cold compress for twenty minutes. Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can also help to reduce pain. However, you should go to A&E if you experience severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, throat swelling or dizziness. These can be signs of a severe allergic reactions. Anyone with a known allergy to wasp stings must carry their EpiPen with them at all times. 5 Wasps nests can contain thousands of bugs Credit: Getty
The Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Urgent warning to Brits over explosion of WASPS with nests the size of space hoppers as population soars
Owen Scott Published: Invalid Date, EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning to Brits about a huge "population explosion" of wasps. The swarms of creepy-crawlies are creating nests as big as space hoppers and one experts has warned that 2025 will be the 'year of the insect'. 5 5 5 Wasp populations normally spike towards the very end of the Summer, as the insects prepare to breed before dying in the winter. However, Andrew Dellbridge of Ace Pest Control in Norfolk said hot weather in the Spring has drawn the bugs out early. Now, a huge 'population explosion' is underway since the insects have more time to breed. According to him, their numbers are already at the levels you would expect to see in September and the bugs are constructing nests which are the size of 'space hoppers'. Inside each nest, there could be 'thousands' of wasps. Andrew has also warned that their high numbers could make the wasps aggressive, saying: 'When we get into peak production, early autumn time, they ramp up. 'It's all ramped up and their aggression does as well. 'What I would imagine we're going to find shortly is that will ramp up again, so we'll get that mad activity earlier.' The expert says that he has seen hundreds of wasps pile into someone's home, chewing through the wattle and daub. That unlucky person woke up to find a 'six foot circle of wall' had fallen on him and that a mammoth swarm of wasps had followed. Andrew has warned that this year will be the 'year of the insects' because the weather is set to stay warm throughout the summer. Wasps can sting when threatened and, unlike bees, can attack people multiple times. Although not deadly to most people, the injection of venom with each sting can cause intense pain. However, people with an allergy to insect stings could have much more averse and deadly reactions. The news comes as beachgoers battle with swarms of ladybirds at popular holiday destinations. The hot weather has brought with it the biggest swarm of ladybirds since 1976, which spread across beaches in areas like Weston-Super-Mare. Videos show Brits fleeing from the bugs, locking themselves in cars and restaurants to escape the creepy-crawlies. What to do if you are stung by a wasp? Wasp stings can be extremely painful and, in some cases, deadly. Their sting works by injecting you with venom and, unlike bees, they can sting you more than once. Doctors say that you should immediately wash the site with soap and water, before using a cold compress for twenty minutes. Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can also help to reduce pain. However, you should go to A&E if you experience severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, throat swelling or dizziness. These can be signs of a severe allergic reactions. Anyone with a known allergy to wasp stings must carry their EpiPen with them at all times. 5 5
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning to Brits over an influx of WASPS: Pest control expert dubs 2025 the 'year of the insects' - and warns monster nests have already reached the size of space hoppers
Britain faces a surge of monster wasps' nests as big as space hoppers, an expert has warned, after scorching temperatures sparked 'the year of the insects'. Andrew Dellbridge of Ace Pest Control in Norfolk said the spring sunshine had lured wasps out of hibernation early, giving them more time to grow. And though they'll die off come winter, the head start means this year's nests are already surpassing last year's in size, with months still to go. Now wasps are experiencing a 'population explosion', Mr Dellbridge said, and Britain faces a wave of jumbo nests before winter. He said: 'What I would expect to do in September–October as far as size of nest and multiple wasps within a nest, we're getting now. 'By September–October, the right back end of the season before they all die off, we should be in massive nest territory.' Worryingly, Mr Dellbridge also predicts a spike in aggressible wasp behaviour. And, unlike bees, wasps can go on to sting victims multiple times. Andrew Dellbridge of Ace Pest Control in Norfolk said the spring sunshine had lured wasps out of hibernation early, giving them more time to grow In terms of scale, the wasps' nests could grow as big as a space hopper. 'Some people get really upset by tiny little wasps nests,' Andrew said. 'I'm not so upset about them, I worry about the big ones. 'I always try to use a comparison – and the space hopper is as big as it can get. 'And that hums and it's quite a foe.' What's more, the spike in aggressive wasp behaviour usually associated with late summer could be brought forward. The pest controller said: 'When we get into peak production, early autumn time, they ramp up. 'It's all ramped up and their aggression does as well. 'What I would imagine we're going to find shortly is that will ramp up again, so we'll get that mad activity earlier.' He added: 'This year, 2025, will be the year of the insects because, like now, the weather is continuing in a really suitable vein.' In order to make more room for their nests, wasps have been known to chew through plasterboard, wood, insulation, and other building materials In order to make more room for their nests, wasps have been known to chew through plasterboard, wood, insulation, and other building materials. According to Mr Dellbridge, this phenomenon usually occurs late in the season. But it's already happening this year, he added. 'I had one yesterday,' he said. 'Hundreds of wasps piling into someone's house because they literally chewed through already.' He recalled how one previous customer was rudely awaken by a stretch of wattle and daub wall gnawed open by wasps. He said: 'They were chewing through, and the old–fashioned wattle and daub gave way. 'And a six foot circle of wall fell on him in the middle of the night onto his bed, followed by the wasps.' Andrew added: 'I am doing, for July, masses more jobs a day. 'This year, whereas you'd possibly have hundreds, or a thousand or so in there, I'm predicting that we'll have thousands in each nest. 'So you're not going to miss them. 'We are up for a bit of a challenge I think.' Wasps tend to sting when they become angry or scared. As anyone who has experienced one will know, their stings can be painful - but thankfully most people recover quickly and without complications. The sting is designed as a self-defence mechanism but, unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times. WHY DO WASPS STING AND WHY DO THEY HURT SO MUCH? Wasp stings are common, especially during the warmer months when people are outside for longer periods of time. They tend to occur in the later summer months when the social structure of the colony is breaking down. At this time, the group mindset is changing from raising worker wasps to raising fertile queens, which will hibernate over the winter to start new colonies the following spring. Once the wasp has laid eggs, she stops producing a specific hormone which keeps the colony organised. This leads to the wasps becoming confused and disorientated and they tend to stray towards sweet smelling human foods, such as ice cream and jam. This puts them in the firing line of scared and frenzied people which aggravate the animals with wafting hands and swatting magazines. When the critters become angry and scared they are prone to stinging. Wasp stings can be uncomfortable, but most people recover quickly and without complications. It is designed as a self-defence mechanism but, unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times. The stingers remain in tact and are often primed with venom which enters the bloodstream. Peptides and enzymes in the venom break down cell membranes, spilling cellular contents into the blood stream This can happen to nerve cells and these are connected to the central nervous system. This breach causes the injured cell to send signals back to the brain. We experience these signals in the form of pain. There are chemicals in the wasp sting which slows the flow of blood, which elongates the period of pain.
