I too have noticed a distinct lack of wasps this summer. Whilst it has made dining alfresco much more pleasurable, it does not somehow feel quite right!
I have heard that the shortage of wasps has contributed to the increase in Crane flies we certainly seem to be experiencing here in London at the moment. Wasps apparently love the larvae - leatherjackets- and few wasps = more crane flies! Can anyone shed more light on the possible link?