Beware Europe's new killer wasps

A BEE expert has raised the alarm after Euro-wasps have been found nesting in Bexhill for the second year running.

The large and aggressive variety can give a fatal sting, making it vital to destroy the nest.

Ann Woodcock, 68, of Cranston Avenue, found a nest in a hedge moments before her husband set about cutting it.

This is the second year in a row the killer wasps have nested in the Woodcock's garden.

Alan Woodcock, also 68, said: "We had one in the front hedge last year and in the back this year. Apparently it is rather unusual to have them twice."

David Fletcher, 41, of St Leonards, is a professional bee keeper and wasp specialist. He is concerned people will not realise the importance of treating these nests as soon as they are found.

"Unlike normal wasps they conceal their nests in big bushes such as rhododendron; people might not be aware they are there.

"They come across from the continent and now I rather think they have established themselves here."

There have been severe and near fatal stinging incidents in recent years. The inability to tell the difference between a regular wasp and a super wasp adds to the possibility that nests will go untreated.

"Mr Woodcock was lucky he knew what he was dealing with. Just a vibration shaking the nest can cause the wasps to come out and attack en masse.

"One untreated nest can lead to 20 nests the next year. Some people think they are beautiful and like to watch them and so don't want them destroyed but there is more at stake here."

Conservationists can rest assured only dangerous varieties are destroyed.

As a bee keeper, David moves inconvenient nests to safe places as a method of preservation.

But as a matter of safety, Euro-wasps nests are destroyed.

"We cannot stress the enormity of the problem enough.

David said: "I have been stung through protective clothing and it hurts like hell."

Advice on how to treat a wasp or bee nest is available through the pest control department at Rother District Council on 787548.