As summer comes to a close many people are noticing an increase in wasps, something which a local entomologist says is par for the course for this time of year.

Dr. Barry Hicks explains that most of the queens spend the early part of July building their nests, and usually by mid-August, there are a few thousand workers in there.

He says most wasps won’t actually sting and are quite good for the ecosystem.

The ones that will sting, however, are yellowjackets. He says this province is home to about 10 species of yellowjackets, four of which are most common.

Hicks says wasps can be aggressive and try to sting, especially heading into the fall when food sources like caterpillars are in short supply.

He says wasps get “hangry” and may easily sting.