They are the scourge of the summer picnic, but wasps are costing councils thousands of pounds.
 

Worthing and Adur Councils have seen their pest control department fail to meet their budgets.

Both have blamed a drop in wasp numbers, resulting in people not needing their services.
 

Last year’s horrendous summer, which was effectively a washout, meant numbers were down on previous years.
 

It meant pest control income for 2012-13 was down by £15,000 for Worthing and £10,000 for Adur.
 

Pest control charges increased from 2011-12, with rats in domestic premises changed from being free to costing £30. The wasps charge is £50 – raised from £44 last year.
 

There is a reduced charge for those in receipt of income support, council tax benefit or housing benefit.
 

Sussex Wildlife Trust warned that next year was likely to be a similar story unless we have a long, hot summer.
 

Jess Price, from Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “We certainly had fewer phone calls about wasps. And being outside it was noticeable there were fewer around at picnics and the like.”