Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Huge swarm of wasps attacks scientist as he removes nest

“As you can see from the copious amount of venom on the camera lens, these wasps meant business”

Charlie Atkin
Friday 19 February 2016 09:10 EST
Comments
Swarm of wasps attacks scientist as he removes nest

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Video has emerged showing a scientist bravely removing a wasp nest, despite a swarm of the insects attacking him during the excavation.

In the footage above, filmed in New Zealand, a huge swarm of German wasps can be seen flying at both camera lens and scientist as their home is uprooted.

Dr Bob Brown, who posted the video of himself online, assured viewers that he was wearing all the appropriate gear to prevent serious injury.

(Dr Bob Brown / YouTube)

Accompanying the full length footage on YouTube, Dr Brown wrote: “I have many years of experience and use specialized equipment to do this and still get the odd sting, so please don't try to dig an active nest yourself!”

“As you can see from the copious amount of venom on the camera lens, these wasps meant business.”

A landcare researcher scientist, Dr Brown excavated the nest in order analyse the parasites within it rather than kill it.

“I need to keep the nest alive for my survey for parasites (like mites, fungus, etc.). Some nests will be re-housed into nest boxes for use in behaviour assays.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in