Nothing troubles an alfresco supper like buzzing wasps. If you’re looking to get rid of these picnic pests, the experts have revealed a clever hack — and you probably already have it growing in your garden.
According to the team at Old Railway Line Garden Centre, lavender is the answer to deterring wasps thanks to its essential oils, including linalool and camphor.
This is because wasps can find the plant overwhelming and will avoid flying close by.
“Wasps are highly sensitive to strong scents, and lavender is one they really don’t like. Planting it near seating areas, doorways, or patios can help mask the smells that attract them, like food, sugary drinks, or perfumes,” says Liam Cleary, outdoor plants expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre.
Not only is lavender one of the most cost-effective plants to grow (plants can cost anywhere from £4 to 49p for a packet of seeds), but you can easily propagate lavender in your garden by simply taking a cutting (read our guide for a step-by-step tutorial).
Mariia Demchenko – Getty Images
“It’s low maintenance, smells incredible, and keeps your garden feeling calm, all while helping you enjoy a wasp-free zone,” says Liam.
The summer weather provides optimal conditions for wasp activity (the heat boosts their energy levels), which is why you are more likely to see increased numbers in and around your garden.
Other ways to keep wasps away include keeping garden tables clean and free of food scraps, placing a ‘dummy wasp nest’ in your garden to throw them off, and trying natural deterrents such as citrus peels, cucumber slices, mint, and soapy water.
If you are still struggling to banish their presence, consult the experts, especially if you have a wasp nest.
For more pest-free advice, don’t forget to try this 30p trick to keep your home fly-free this summer.
What’s more, Alan Titchmarsh has shared advice on how to keep ants away from your compost heap.
Sarah Raven Wild Flower Meadow Mix Seeds
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Shake & sow – Flowers for bees
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RSPB Best for bees wildflower seed pack
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Rewild Your Garden: Create a Haven for Birds, Bees and Butterflies (Hardback)
£16.99 at waterstones.com
Hardback Lined Notebook
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Jewel Cut Flower Mix
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