Britain to see 'murder wasp invasion' with households urged to shut windows now

British households are being urged to keep their windows closed as swarms of what experts are calling "murder wasps" could be arriving in the UK from today. The aggressive insects are expected to be a problem from August 12 until the end of the month, with pest control companies already reporting a sharp rise in call-outs.

According to UK pest control data, wasp-related jobs in June this year were up 618% compared to the same month in 2024, and August is meant to be even worse. Experts say the spike is the result of a warm, wet spring, which has created perfect breeding conditions.

Dr Nathaniel Green, an insect behaviour specialist, said: "We're seeing nests far larger than normal, which means more wasps and more aggression. Keep your windows shut, otherwise you're giving them an open invitation into your home."

The insects are being referred to as "murder wasps" because of their size, aggressive behaviour, and repeated stinging ability, which experts warn can be dangerous or even fatal for people with severe allergies.

"Wasps don't just sting once and fly away," Dr Green said. "If they feel threatened, they can sting repeatedly, and that venom can be deadly for someone with an allergy. In a swarm, the danger multiplies."

He added that afternoons are peak activity time and that this year's colonies are bigger and more aggressive than usual.

"If you don't want a wasp flying into your lounge, or worse, starting a nest nearby, clean your windows and keep them closed," he said.

Dr Green explained: "Smears, pollen, dust, these are like signposts for insects. To a wasp, a grimy window can signal a safe, undisturbed place to build a nest.

"If your windows are filthy, you're telling them: 'Nobody's home, set up camp here'."

Window cleaning specialists at Quote My Wall also say keeping glass spotless can help reduce the risk of attracting wasps. Their advice includes:

• Using a mix of white vinegar and water or a quality glass cleaner to remove pollen and residue
• Avoiding paper towels in favour of microfibre cloths for a streak-free finish
• Cleaning windows on cloudy days as direct sunlight dries cleaner too quickly leaving streaks that can attract pests

Dr Green's final bit of advice is: "Shut your windows for the rest of August. In The Year of the Insect, even a few weeks can feel like a siege. Better to be safe, and sting-free, than sorry."