THERE’S nothing better than lying out in your garden and soaking up the sun.
And don’t worry if your space seems prone to wasps because a handy hack can help to repel them.
And since the current heatwave likely means more barbecues and garden get togethers, wasp season is officially here.
If you want to enjoy your summer drinks and al fresco dining without worrying about these buzzing pests, you can swap out a chemical spray for a natural deterrent.
With wasp populations increasing even further in July, now is the time to act.
Thankfully, one of summer’s most popular plants can double as a natural wasp repellent.
But you’ll want to get it in the ground now as once wasps beging building nests they become a lot more difficult to remove.
That’s when things get really costly, with professional removal fees reaching up to £241.
Liam Cleary, who works as an outdoor plants expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre, revealed that planting lavender is a simple and affordable solution to your wasp problem.
“Wasps are highly sensitive to strong scents, and lavender is one they really don’t like,” he explained.
“Planting it near seating areas, doorways, or patios can help mask the smells that attract them, like food, sugary drinks, or perfumes.”
Lavender contains essential oils like linalool and camphor, which give it that distinctive floral smell.
And while this scent is pleasant to humans it can be overwhelming to wasps, which rely heavily on scent to detect food.
But don’t worry, pollinator insects will still be drawn to this garden plant.
And since lavender is drought-tolerant, you don’t have to worry about it in the summer heat.
You can pick up a pot of lavender for £6 from Ikea, or lavender seeds for as little as 49p can be found at The Range.
“It’s low maintenance, smells incredible, and keeps your garden feeling calm, all while helping you enjoy a wasp-free zone,” the expert added.
Keep pests out all summer
Hornets and wasps – hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths – acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants – herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes – plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mossies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
If you’re planning to add lavender to your outdoor space, choose a sunny spot.
Lavender loves full sun and well-drained soil, so avoid shaded or damp areas.
Be careful not to overwater as this can cause lavender to wilt or rot.
And if you’re particularly prone to wasp visits, try planting lavender alongside mint, thyme, or lemongrass for an extra layer of protection.
Wasps are known become more aggressive from late June into August as their colonies grow and natural food sources decline.
This makes them more likely to pester humans for sugary snacks and drinks so you may want to cover your food and drinks when enjoying time in the sun.
You should also avoid wearing bright clothing and strong perfumes if you want to steer clear of these stinging pests.
Finally, keep these insects away from your home by sealing your bins and compost this summer.
A 22p item from your kitchen cupboard can also help to repel wasps from your garden.
Another 10p hack can also keep the pests from your garden all summer long.
And you can also keep these insects from your home this summer with another handy trick.
Or you can use a natural ingredient to repel wasps from your garden on a budget.
An affordable bait method can also work in your favour when repelling pests.
