Why Are Wasps a Nuisance Around Picnics and BBQs in Summer?

As the summer sun arrives in the UK, so do the wasps — and they seem to appear just as you're about to tuck into your sandwich or enjoy a family BBQ. But why are wasps such a problem this time of year, and what makes them so interested in our food?

What Attracts Wasps to Picnics?

Wasps are drawn to sugary foods and drinks, meats, and anything with a strong smell. That includes fizzy drinks, fruit juices, beer, barbecued meats, cakes, and sauces. During the warmer months, these items are typically left out in the open at picnics or outdoor gatherings — making them a prime target for foraging wasps.

Wasps have an excellent sense of smell and are quick to home in on even the smallest scraps of food. Once one wasp finds a food source, it often returns to the nest and brings back more.

Why Are Wasps More Aggressive in Late Summer?

In early summer, wasps are mostly busy feeding their young in the nest with insects and grubs. But by late July and August, the wasp colony structure changes — the queen stops laying eggs, and the worker wasps no longer have larvae to feed.

With no nest duties to keep them busy, the workers become more interested in sugary treats and start to scavenge more aggressively. This is when people begin to notice a significant increase in wasp activity — especially around food, bins, and outdoor eating areas.

Are Wasps Dangerous?

While wasps play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling garden pests and helping with pollination, they can pose a threat when they become too bold or numerous. A wasp sting can be painful, and for those who are allergic, it can even be life-threatening. Disturbing a nest or swatting at wasps can provoke them and lead to multiple stings.

How to Avoid Wasps at Your Picnic

Here are some tips to keep wasps away while enjoying the outdoors:

• Keep food covered when not being eaten

• Avoid bright colours and floral scents which can attract wasps

• Clean up spills and leftovers quickly

• Keep bins sealed and move them away from dining areas

• Use wasp-repellent candles or sprays in picnic zones

  
  

Need Help With Wasps in Stamford or Nearby?

If you're noticing increased wasp activity around your home or business — especially in Stamford, The Deepings, or Peterborough — it could be a sign of a nearby nest. At MB Pest Control, we specialise in safe, professional wasp nest removal.

Don’t let wasps ruin your summer. Contact us today for fast, effective wasp control in your area.