PEST controllers have had their hands full dealing with a big increase in wasps this summer.

As well as private pest control companies, Calderdale Council’s pest controllers have been busy dealing with a “fairly significant” increase in wasp activity.

Call-outs to members of The British Pest Control Association have increased for wasps as the warm weather brings extended opportunities to feed, it reports.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Communities and Neighbourhood Services, Coun Susan Press said nests had appeared earlier and numbers were up. “This year has seen a fairly significant increase in wasp activity compared to last year, with nests appearing a lot sooner than usually expected.

“The wasp season usually runs from late July through to the beginning of October. However, this year, call outs have taken place from the end of May onwards, most likely due to the long period of hot weather.”