SUMMER is great for barbecuing and being outside, but sadly we’re often not alone out there.
And although we may see some more beloved insects such as bees and butterflies, we’re also likely to run into nuisances like wasps too.
Wasps can be annoying at this time of year, but there are ways to deter them[/caption]
Wasps are very sensitive to smells – and can be put off by plants like lavender, which you can get for as little as £3.99[/caption]
Gardening expert James Higgins at Grass247 has shared three ways to naturally deter wasps so you can still enjoy your time outdoors without any pesky bugs.
He said: “Due to their sting, wasps can cause a panic when you find them flying around you. However, a wasp will only sting if they feel threatened, so try to stay calm and not swat at them when you find them in your garden.
“Wasps are also pollinators, and so they are important for the ecosystem and should be protected where possible, therefore it’s important to opt for natural wasp repellent methods to try and keep them away from your space.”
Here are his three top tips…
1. Plant some strong smells
Planting strong scented plants is a great method when it comes to getting rid of wasps naturally.
Wasps are very sensitive to smells, and so plants like lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus will put them off from coming into your garden.
Herbs such as rosemary, sage and mint are also perfect ways to keep wasps out of your garden, as these have strong scents.
You can also pop these in pots near your window to deter any wasps from accidentally flying into your home.
2. Create a homemade wasp repellent
You can use essential oils to also create your own homemade wasp repellent.
Using a spray bottle, mix together a solution of water, a few tablespoons of washing up liquid and a few drops of an essential oil such as peppermint, lavender or clove oil.
Make your own DIY spray of water, washing up liquid and essential oils[/caption]
Lightly spritz this across your garden, focusing on any established wasp nests or places you’ve seen them frequently.
3. Get rid of any waste
Wasps like to eat protein, and they especially love anything sugary, so make sure you get rid of any food waste and keep all outdoor bins closed and as clean as possible.
It’s also best to keep your outdoor bins as far away from your windows as you can, so that any lingering wasps don’t come into your home through an open window.
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
