natur & ëmwelt has issued a press release in which it states that, and explains why, this is the high season for wasps and how a "harmonious coexistence is still possible".
Even though there are relatively few wasps this year compared to previous years, due to a rather cool spring and a rainy summer, we are now approaching the peak of wasp season.
By this time of year, most social wasp colonies are already dying. However, the colonies of the European wasp and the common wasp are just reaching their peak. Plants are starting to prepare for autumn, so adult wasps find little food rich in carbohydrates, such as nectar or honeydew, for energy. In addition, until the end of August / beginning of September, they must also provide the larvae of young queens and males with animal food rich in protein. Our tables and picnics therefore provide excellent sources of food for these needs. But since these insects are above all interested in our food and not in us humans, the most important thing in the presence of small intruders is above all to stay calm.
If wasps are flying around us, it is important to keep a cool head and avoid sudden movements. We must also avoid blowing on wasps, because the CO2 contained in the air we breathe is a warning signal for insects. Nervous buzzing is not a way of aggression, but serves their capacity of perception. Wasps can only see clearly at high flight speeds; after all, they specialise in catching flying prey. It is therefore best to calmly guide the animals away with your hand.
To avoid attracting wasps to the dining table, cover food outside and store leftovers. Once they find a food source, wasps pass this information on to the other nest workers. To protect yourself from bites, you should also avoid drinking directly from cans or bottles. It is also important for children to wipe their mouths and hands after eating.
natur & ëmwelt offers information and advice on how to treat wasp nests, but does not carry out extermination (wasps hotline: 290404-344). In the majority of cases the latter is not necessary and should be considered as a very last resort.
