If you live in Alabama or surrounding states and you stumble upon a wasp nest that’s bigger than you are – don’t be too shocked. It’s happening all over, and there’s one specific reason.
Entomologists, which are people who study bugs and insects for a living, have come to the conclusion that these “super nests” are becoming a much more common occurrence due to a global spike in temperatures.
These giant nests are home to more than 15,000 yellow jackets each and can become several feet wide and reach heights of four to five feet depending on the surrounding area.
In mid-2019, two “super nests” were discovered in Alabama and scientists believe that another one was already being built. Something similar happened in 2006 and, during that time, almost 100 of these massive wasp colonies and nests were found.
“If we are seeing them a month sooner than we did in 2006, I am very concerned that there will be a large number of them in the state,” Charles Ray told NPR. “The nests I have seen this year already have more than 10,000 workers and are expanding rapidly.”
By his own estimations, Ray predicts there to be a similar number of nests as there was in the 2006 season, and homeowners are warned to not disturb the nest if they come across it. Keeping distance from the nest and calling a licensed pest control company are the next suggested steps.
Be careful out there – these bad boys can sting!
Check out the video below of an entomologist handling a massive nest and tell us if you’ve ever seen one of these in person before.