Ipswich man spots 'wasp nest' growing near road sign

Gary Bird noticed a large collection of insects on Franklin Road at the Drake Avenue sign, near Nacton Road on Monday. 

He described the nest as measuring about "the size of a person's head".

"It was very large and really alarming that it was as big as it was," Mr Bird said.

"When I saw it, it made my stomach turn upside down.

"I walk my dog that way, and I didn't spot it until Monday. It seemed to suddenly appear. I don't even know how they managed to build it that quickly."

The nest was discovered after a swarm of bees was reported on Drake Avenue. (Image: Gary Bird)

Mr Bird contacted Ipswich Borough Council, who then contacted Suffolk Highways.

According to the council's team, the nest appeared to actually relate to a swarm of bees, and gave advice on what residents should do if they spot similar situations on public highways.

Read more: How to keep wasps away from you and out of your home as wasp season approaches

Suffolk Highways at Suffolk County Council, which manages highways maintenance, said it received a call earlier this week regarding a swarm of bees along Drake Street.

It was inspected and the council advised a local bee specialist would be attending the location to remove the swarm.

The spokesperson added: "We would advise that wasp nests and swarms on the highway that are directly affecting highway users or likely to pose threat are reported directly to us.

"We will then inspect the location and arrange for the appropriate specialist to attend."

Wasp nests are usually found in sheds, garages, bird boxes, wall cavities and roof spaces and can become very dangerous if disturbed.

Similarly, bees build their nests in cavities below or above ground, such as tree hollows.

If one is spotted on private property, it is recommended to call in professionals with protective equipment to ensure their removal as safely and ethically as possible.