Experts are urging the public to be on their guard for wasps as they anticipate a significant increase of the stinging insect this summer.

The UK was inundated with wasps back in 2016 and because of last year's lull in numbers the British Pest Control Association has warned that the country may find itself swarmed once more.

Alex Wade, technical manager at a BPCA member company, said the predictions of a rise in wasps were by no means concrete due to the unpredictably of long-term changes in behaviour and population patterns.

He did, however, stress the importance of vigilance in the case of a swell in numbers, saying 'the country should prepare for the worst and hope for the best'.

Dee Ward-Thompson, BPCA technical manager, added: 'Wasps are a real nuisance for most, but for some members of the public with certain conditions, wasps can represent a severe threat. Removing wasp nests quickly is important, especially before the latter stages of summer where stings are more likely.

'Entering September, worker wasps will gorge on fallen fruit that's fermenting on the ground. The effect of the alcohol makes them angrier and bolder than normal so they are more likely to sting without provocation.'