'MEAN' wasps are on the rise in Herefordshire later than usual, according to local experts.

And Herefordshire locals have been warned of wasp nests appearing throughout the county.

Hereford-based pest controllers ‘the Wasp Guys’ have said that they have started tackling active nests for the first time this year.

They have started appearing later than usual due to a wet spring and early summer, but nests can now be found growing all over the area.

The experts cautioned against locals attempting to clear nests themselves, as they risk being attacked by large numbers of wasps, occasionally resulting in hospitalisation. A nest should be dealt with as soon as it is found, as it can grow larger the longer it is left.

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Wasps can also cause damage to walls or ceilings so nests must be destroyed before they excavate through surfaces, they added.

“It’s very rare for bees to attack, but the wasps do it for fun,” said a Wasp Guys spokesperson.

“They’re just mean.

“If you stay local then you’ll pay around £70.

“Avoid the companies at the top of Google who pay for their ads because they will charge you a fortune.”