Firefighters Combat Increasing Insect Nests in Human Dwellings

Sometimes it involves “secessionist” bees that leave the hive with their queen when it becomes overcrowded, often accompanied by deadly wasps. In any case, these insects choose a good place to nest. Unfortunately, it is increasingly common for them to identify the many nooks and crannies of human dwellings as their new homes. Preferred locations include attics and window shutter boxes.

The Challenges of Living with Insects

A coexistence that is as difficult as it is unpleasant, especially when it involves wasps, which are known for being unfriendly and armed with their formidable sting. Anaphylactic shock is always a possibility for allergic individuals, particularly when disturbed. Wasps construct attractive, rounded nests made of cellulose, produced through the tireless chewing of wood by worker wasps along with other natural substances.

But having the most friendly and valuable bees, perhaps in large numbers, is no more reassuring. In fact, it’s just the same. The only option left is to seek help.

Disinfestation Interventions and the Role of Firefighters

In such situations, it is once again the firefighters who step in to carry out disinfestation. And increasingly so in recent years: a likely sign that nature is adapting for the worse to environmental changes.

Tiziano Giuliani, commander of the Nago-Torbole fire brigade, recently appointed, states: “Last year, we carried out about twenty such interventions.” The most recent was just a few days ago in Torbole, where wasps had infiltrated an attic in the town center.

Recent Interventions and Techniques Used

The largest intervention this year, in June, involved bees at the Passo San Giovanni hotel. “We found a high number of bees in a window shutter box that required several hours of work, using ‘sintrina’, a specialized substance that decisively kills insects.”