The weekends are getting warmer and we’re enjoying more and more time eating and entertaining in our gardens. But, with warmer weather and food comes pesky wasps! The Greenhouse People have shared their top tips on how to keep wasps away when enjoying your garden.
As annoying as they can be, we should leave wasps be! They’re valuable pollinators so instead of swatting and killing them, there are some natural solutions.
Cover up your food
Stop wasps getting to your food by blocking their access!
Scout wasps search for food and alert the colony once they catch a whiff. So, keep lids on tupperware to block the smell.
Mesh covers over your plates while you’re eating will stop them landing as well.
Use citronella candles
A romantic candle-lit dinner outside that also wards off wasp guests? The potent but pleasant smell of citronella will keep away a range of insects that don’t like the scent.
These candles are available at most supermarkets.
Practical table arrangements
It’s nice to dress up your tables with floral arrangements, but take care to avoid plants that will attract bugs.
Avoid flowering plants that produce delicious nectar. Instead, opt for known deterrents such as cuttings of wormwood or eucalyptus.
Grow your own herbs
Spearmint, sage, thyme, lemongrass and rosemary are not only great culinary herbs to add to your garden, but the strong-smelling oils from these plants act as a natural wasp-repellent.
Place potted herbs around your dining area or, if you’re limited on space, go vertical by hanging herb planters on a nearby wall.
Spray essential oils
If you don’t have the time or desire to grow your own herbs, you can buy concentrated essential oils to spray around your dining area.
Peppermint is a popular choice for keeping pesky wasps away while smelling delicious for guests.
Simply mix a few drops of essential oil and dish soap with water before spraying over the desired area.
Serve cucumber
The perfect addition to any summer salad, the acidity of cucumber has repellent properties that wasps detest.
You can either serve some dishes incorporating cucumber or place peelings near your seating area to help ward off wasps.
Make a DIY wasp lure
If all else fails, you can always try luring wasps away from where you’re eating.
Wasps love sweet treats, so leave some jam or ripe fruit for them to feast on far away from your dining area. Be sure to place the trap far away from where your guests will gather or you may accidentally entice the wasps.
Get more gardening tips from our website.
Jacqueline Munro I am the Digital Content Editor at "The People's Friend", looking after our website, social media channels and podcast.
