They are probably everyone’s least favourite insect, but despite the peak of summer being over, you haven’t seen the last of waspsyet.
Surprisingly, wasps actually peak in October, not the middle of summer. In early autumn wasps become more aggressive as they hunt down fallen fruits in search of sugar to help them survive the colder temperatures before they die off in winter.
If you leave a window open, especially if you have a garden, you might get an unwelcome visitor buzzing into your kitchen or bedroom in October – and they’re just as unhappy about it as you are.
But garden experts say there is one thing you can put in your garden that wasps hate: lavender.
Lavender is one of several pungent flowering plants, along with basil and peppermint, which wasps can’t stand.
To make wasps turn and fly in the other direction, try putting lavender strategically around your garden, particularly near your house. Better still, rather than scattering cut lavender, it will work much better if you actually plant lavender plants.
The other upside of planting lavender is that bees including honeybees and bumblebees, love it, so not only will you repel wasps but you’ll also attract bees and give them a rich food supply.
Garden website Gardenia explains: “Lavender has a sweet scent that can attract bees but repel yellow jackets and wasps. Plant lavender in your garden or use it in pots around your home.”
It adds: “These plants can be grown in pots or planted directly in the ground and can be placed around seating areas, picnic tables, or anywhere else you want to keep yellow jackets and wasps away.
“In addition to these plants, it is important to keep your outdoor living areas clean and free of sweet and sugary substances, as these can attract yellow jackets and wasps. Be sure to cover your food and drinks and dispose of garbage and recycling properly.”
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