The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has advised families not to disturb wasps during the current sting season.

By late summer, worker wasps consume fermented fruit causing aggressive behaviour and a higher likelihood to sting. Wasp stings can provoke fatal anaphylactic reactions, warranting immediate contact with emergency services.

BPCA members are professionally trained and assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636, providing specialist products unavailable to the public.

Natalie Bungay, technical manager at BPCA said: "Like bees and hornets, wasps are pollinators and, where possible, are best left alone.

"However, if the nest is in a high-use area, you may need to seek advice from a BPCA member.

"At their summer peak, a wasp nest can be home to between 5,000 and 8,000 wasps, which is why we recommend seeking help from a pest professional.

"One wasp that feels threatened near the nest can emit a pheromone that calls for back up – and that can trigger a stinging frenzy.

"Wasps are nature’s pest controllers and can be useful in the garden, but they have been known to build their nests in all kinds of strange places from hollow trees and sheds to toilet cisterns and musical instruments."