Swarming with bees and wasps

Warm weather has encouraged waps and bees

Bee and wasp experts are warning that there have been an upsurge in the numbers of the stinging insects swarming in Northern Ireland this year because of the long spells of warm weather.

And medical experts are warning of the dangers for people who are allergic to stings because they are particularly aggressive at this time of year.

Bill Duff from Greenmount Agricultural college said: "This has been a particularly successful year. Bees have been very successful, building up their stocks in most areas.

"The number of wasps around also seems to be greater than normal, so the risk is obviously much greater."

Trudi Outhewaite: Allergic reaction to wasp attack

A summer walk in the Clare Glen Park near Tandragee in County Armagh became a terrifying experience for young mother, Trudi Outhewaite from Richill, when she was attacked by wasps.

She said: "About a mile into the glen I realised I had been stung on the back of the neck and as I was dealing with that one sting I realised I was being attacked.

"I don't know how many attacked me, but I got stung five times.

"After the initial sting the pain grew so bad that I realised it wasn't normal and I needed to get to the hospital.

"I didn't know I was allergic, but I had heard about it and realised."

Trudi was rushed to hospital where she was injected with adrenaline to counter the bee-sting venom.

Medical experts say response time is vital. In a small percentage of cases a person's tongue can swell to the point where it restricts airways.

Charles Fee from Craigavon Area Hospital said: "If they do develop a reaction to a sting and they are concerned, they should contact a doctor and if their doctor isn't available they should come to a hospital for advice."