Where have all the wasps gone this year?

Wasp next treatment

If you’ve noticed fewer wasps interrupting your BBQs or hovering around your garden this summer, you're not imagining it. Across the UK, many people have reported a significant drop in wasp numbers this year. While this might seem like a blessing to those who dread the late summer wasp surge, it's a phenomenon that has scientists and environmentalists concerned.

The Curious Case of the Missing Wasps

Wasps are a familiar part of the summer landscape, often making their presence known in the warmer months when their search for food leads them into our gardens, parks, and picnics. However, this year, sightings of these usually abundant insects have noticeably decreased. So, what’s behind this decline?

Weather Woes

One of the most significant factors contributing to the lower number of wasps this year is the weather. Wasps are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and weather patterns, which can have a profound impact on their life cycles.

1. A Cold, Wet Spring:

   The spring of this year was colder and wetter than usual in many parts of the UK. Wasps typically start building their nests in the early spring, but adverse weather conditions can delay this process or reduce the number of queens that survive to start new colonies. Cold and wet weather can also lead to a lack of food sources, making it harder for wasps to sustain their young.

2. A Disrupted Breeding Season:

   Wasps have a specific breeding season, usually peaking in late summer. However, if the weather earlier in the year was unfavorable, it could have disrupted their breeding patterns, resulting in fewer colonies and, consequently, fewer wasps by the time summer arrived.

3. Heatwaves and Drought:

   While wet and cold weather can be detrimental, extreme heat and drought conditions can also play a role. Prolonged dry spells can lead to a scarcity of water and nectar sources, making it challenging for wasps to find the sustenance they need. Additionally, extreme heat can stress wasp colonies, potentially leading to a higher mortality rate.