The hot summer of last year may well have a sting in its tail for conditions this year. Wasp populations probably experienced a boom during last year’s hot summer, says Dr Tomás Murray, senior ecologist at the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
He explains how a boost in plant growth helps wasp colonies. "At the start of the heatwave when there was an enormous amount of [plant] growth, it definitely did benefit wasp.” One other insect population on the up this year is the fly population. Fly activity this year is "already through the roof" according to Rentokil Advanced Technical Field Consultant Richard Faulkner.
"Compared to last year, we’ve had a 34 or 36% increase in fly activity in the first quarter alone," says Mr Faulkner.
Scourge of the mushroom house, the flies are doing well this year. Watch out for the yellow and black sting machines too this summer!
