With the UK having enjoyed a scorcher of a weekend, a gardening expert has shared a simple way to keep wasps at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals or traps
As the UK gears up for another scorching weekend, many Brits are planning to enjoy their gardens. However, we’re seldom alone in our outdoor spaces, and wasps often prove to be unwanted visitors. Online searches for “how to deter wasps from garden” have surged by over 5,000% in the past month, indicating that homeowners are seeking solutions.
Luckily, gardening expert James Higgins from Grass247 has revealed a natural and surprisingly potent method to ward off wasps without resorting to harsh chemicals or traps. Higgins points out that despite wasps’ reputation for aggressive stinging, they usually only attack if they feel threatened. “Try to stay calm and avoid swatting at them,” he advised.
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“Wasps also act as pollinators and play a crucial role in the ecosystem, so it’s preferable to use natural methods to discourage them rather than annihilate them.”
One such technique is a homemade wasp spray that blends just three common ingredients: water, washing-up liquid, and essential oils, reports the Express.
“In a spray bottle, simply mix water with a few tablespoons of washing-up liquid and add a few drops of essential oil,” Higgins explained.
“Peppermint, lavender, and clove oil are particularly effective, as wasps find their potent aromas overpowering and disagreeable.”
Once concocted, the mixture can be lightly sprayed around your garden, especially in areas where wasps tend to congregate or construct nests, such as under eaves, near outdoor seating areas, or around bins.
The mixture serves as a mild deterrent rather than an exterminator, encouraging the insects to relocate without causing them harm.
This spray also doubles up as a deterrent for ants and some types of flies, making it a fantastic all-purpose garden ally.
While it may not completely eradicate wasps, this natural method aids in maintaining your garden as a more tranquil space during the summer months.
And with temperatures rising above 30°C in parts of the UK this weekend, there’s never been a better time to give this environmentally friendly spray a go.
