Keep wasps out of your garden for good with 22p kitchen staple that ‘drives them away’

Warmer weather brings wasps into your garden – especially when there is a BBQWasps can linger in your garden during summer (Image: Getty Images)

With temperatures set to rise across the UK once again, many Brits will be spending more time in their gardens. But along with warmer weather comes pesky insects such as wasps.

Wasp season began in April, and this year’s ‘sunniest spring on record’ formed the perfect conditions for them to thrive.

As well as them being a nuisance, their painful stings can quickly ruin a sunny afternoon, and for those with allergies – they can even trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis.

You could also risk an infestation If wasps decide to build a nest in your home or garden, with removal by pest control professionals costing as much as £200.

But a gardening expert has now revealed a simple way to keep wasps out of your garden for food, with one kitchen staple which ‘drives them away’ – and it costs as little as 22p.

Wasps can nest near your home(Image: Getty Images)

Josh Novell, garden expert at Polhill Garden Centre, explained: “Garlic is a surprisingly effective wasp repellent. Its strong smell overwhelms a wasp’s senses and naturally drives them away. It’s safe, cheap, and easy to use.”

The expert has shared three ways that you can use garlic to repel wasps.

“Place minced garlic in a small bowl near outdoor seating or food,” Josh explained.

“You can also fill a spray bottle with water and 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Then shake well, and spray around patios, doors, and bins.”

“Or, consider growing garlic in garden beds or containers,” he added.

Garlic is an effective wasp repellent(Image: Getty Images)

Many people’s first instinct is to set out a jar of jam or sugary water to lure wasps, but Josh warns this can actually make things worse.

“Sweet traps can attract wasps from neighbouring areas, increasing activity rather than reducing it,” he explains. “You’re unintentionally drawing them in.”

Josh also suggested some other natural, low-cost ways to keep wasps away.

“Burning coffee grounds is a great wasp deterrent. Just place some dry grounds in a heatproof bowl and light them like incense,” he said.

“Fresh mint or peppermint oil can also work really well. Wasps hate the scent, so place a few mint sprigs on the table or dab peppermint oil around doorframes.

“And of course, always clean up spills and cover food and drink when eating outside. Even a half-empty glass can quickly draw them in.”