Wasp-free summer has sting in the tail

THE summer may have been dismal so far but at least it has cleared the air of picnic-invading wasps.

- Jim Hardy

Pest control firms reveal there has been a massive drop in call-outs to clear nests, with one saying business is down 90% on this time last year.

But there is a sting in the tail instead of celebrating their demise, we should be worried.

Wasps are vitally important pollinators and also prey on harmful bugs in gardens, said Libby Burgess from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

She explained the slump in numbers should sound warning bells for us all, adding: "It is an alarming realisation for our planet.