Insect loss is linked to intensive agriculture, pesticides and climate change, with far-reaching consequences for the many birds, amphibians, bats and reptiles that rely on insects for food.
But the common wasp appears to be bucking this trend – its population remaining stable over the past 100 years – along with houseflies, cockroaches and the European hornet, which is increasing across the UK and moving northward as the climate warms.
Sightings of the invading Asian or yellow-legged hornet, which arrived in the UK in 2016, are also on the rise.
And after a poor year for butterflies in 2024, naturalists say many common species, such as the Large White, also appear to be flourishing this summer.
Ladybirds too, seem to be enjoying the warmer temperatures, according to experts.
So, luckily for the ecosystem – but perhaps unluckily for our picnics – wasps appear to be thriving here in the UK.
How can we live alongside each other happily then?