Wasp numbers are due to reach high numbers after this year's long, dry summer

New Zealand has five species of these brightly coloured pests -- the German and common wasps, as well as three species of paper wasp.

Auckland University professor Jacqueline Beggs, says population dynamics tend to by cyclical -- with a lower year followed by a high one.

She says the population spike has particularly been an issue in Auckland and Northland.

Biggs says the usual things that might help knock them back, like rainfall, haven't been a feature in Northland this year.