Pictured above: Dave Nash, MD of Pestbusters  

The warm start to spring and the recession are combining to bring a potential spring and summer wasp epidemic warns a pest control expert.

An unwillingness to tackle the problem could mean a painful few months ahead, warns Dave Nash, managing director of Pestbusters.

The barmy April temperatures have produced a perfect setting for wasp colonies, said the head of the Birmingham based company.

Despite cooler weather of late, with another heat wave due it looks set to be a bumper year for wasps.

"Warm weather is the perfect breeding grounds for wasps and with them setting up colonies in people's homes it can be very alarming," warns Mr Nash. "We can expect to see a busy time ahead."

"They generally build their ball shaped nests made of paper and chewed wood in loft spaces and out buildings, and with ordinary colonies containing up to 3,000 wasps they can be very frightening. However, with money tight many are ignoring the problem leaving nests untreated and allowing colonies to grow."

This is a short sighted and dangerous thing to do, warns Mr Nash.

"Wasp stings are painful and in some cases can lead to very alarming allergic reactions," he said. "This includes fainting, stomach cramps and even in extreme cases choking."

Mr Nash added that at this time of year groups of wasps congregating can be a sign of nests.

Nests are built outdoors and also indoors, in roof voids, wall cavities and outbuildings.

He added that if anyone believes they have a wasp nest they should not attempt to tackle it without knowing what they are doing.

"Pest control experts use specialist insecticides and we have special protective clothing. We urge you to seek professional help to prevent a very nasty episode. These insects are vicious if they feel disturbed and shouldn't be taken lightly."