The summertime is the peak wasp season in the UK
Homeowners are no strangers to how aggressive wasps behave during this time of year.
But what is it that makes wasps appear drunk? And more importantly, how can you protect yourself?
How Wasps Get Drunk
During summertime, there is plenty of food for wasps—flies, caterpillars, and your leftover picnic.
As their food supply dwindles towards autumn, wasps have little choice but to feed off rotten fruit like apples. As apples fall off trees, they begin turning to cider, supplying enough alcohol to make wasps drunk.
Furthermore, research shows a decrease in the number of insects found throughout the UK. This is due to changes in the landscape where family farms are fewer in number, meaning fewer hedgerows and open pastures (making room for more significant agricultural projects). Therefore, wasps have fewer food options and need to search elsewhere for food.
How To Protect You And Your Family
Always be vigilant, and if you see more wasps than usual, it’s a sign that there’s a wasps nest nearby.
Practical solutions to deter wasps include spraying peppermint oil (diluted with water) around your home, garden, and clothing. In addition, place fly screens on windows and doors to prevent wasps from flying into your home.
When outdoors, avoid wearing bright colours and perfume, even though it’s the ideal time of year for such attire. Ensure bin bags are sealed, and bins are lids firmly closed. Clean up spillages quickly and cover up food if not being eaten.
However, if you’re concerned there are more wasps than usual, contact us for expert advice, and if necessary, a pest control expert will eradicate the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are “drunken wasps” in late summer?
“Drunken wasps” is a term used to describe normal wasps that appear slow, erratic, or uncoordinated in late summer. This usually happens when they feed on fermenting fruit or sugary drinks that can contain natural alcohol.
Why do wasps behave differently in late summer?
In late summer, the colony’s food sources change as larvae production drops. Worker wasps shift from protein-based feeding to seeking out sugars, often from ripe or overripe fruit and human food sources.
Can wasps actually get drunk?
Yes, in a limited sense. When wasps consume fermenting fruit, they can ingest small amounts of alcohol produced by natural fermentation, which may affect their coordination and behaviour temporarily.
Are “drunken wasps” more aggressive?
They are not necessarily more aggressive, but they can be more unpredictable and persistent. Because they are disoriented and focused on sugar sources, they may land more often on drinks and food.
How can I avoid attracting wasps in late summer?
Keeping food and drinks covered, cleaning up spills quickly, and managing fallen fruit in gardens can significantly reduce attraction. Sealed bins also help prevent wasps from being drawn to the area.
What is the best way to deal with increased wasp activity?
The best approach is prevention and caution: avoid leaving sugary foods exposed, reduce attractants in outdoor areas, and monitor for signs of nests nearby. If activity is excessive, professional pest control may be required.
