Wasp activity surges across B.C. as warm, dry weather boosts food supply

Pest-control experts say wasp activity has risen sharply in British Columbia, with warm, dry weather and an abundant food supply contributing to a late-summer surge.

Mat Neale, manager of Solutions Pest Control in Metro Vancouver, said technicians are now handling eight to 10 wasp calls a day after several relatively quiet years. He pointed to a recent increase in hemlock looper moths, an important food source for wasps, along with the weather conditions.

Backcountry and rescue groups have warned of unusually high wasp activity on popular trails. On Tuesday, a climber north of Vancouver had to be extracted after being attacked by a swarm and suffering a severe systemic reaction.

Maria Masiar, search manager with Lions Bay Search and Rescue, said the climber was recovering after being stung up to 20 times. An initial 911 report estimated about 100 stings, but medical teams later concluded that number was an overestimate. The same swarm attacked rescuers and, about an hour later, another hiking group that reported roughly 20 stings while scrambling to safety.