Residents warned to be aware of wasps in garden sheds

People in New Zealand have been advised to tread carefully in their garden sheds and backyards following an "explosion" in the summer wasp population.

Pest exterminator Norman Kerr told the Sunday Star Times that his company was having trouble keeping up with demand from people finding wasps in garden sheds, compost, and leaf matter. At times he was getting up to 200 calls a day.

Mr Kerr told the news provider that a couple had woken recently to find hundreds of wasps in their bedroom after a large nest in the roof cracked the ceiling.

One expert said that a large number of queen wasps had survived the mild winter, which could explain the dramatic increase in population size.

The wasp, which is generally more aggressive in nature than the bee, has a multi-sting capacity that allows it to sting its victim more than once, according to insectstings.co.uk.

The website states that in the event of being stung, treatment should include applying a cold compress or creams containing anti-histamine or hydrocortisone to reduce the swelling and associated pain.

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  Written by Robin Antill+ Started making garden sheds in 1979. so 31 years experience. Online since 1996. 1st in UK.