A gardening expert shared a cheap and natural deterrent that could keep wasps away from your garden this summer
A gardening expert shared a cheap and natural homemade wasp deterrent spray that could keep wasps away from your garden this summer(Image: Nataba via Getty Images)
Wasps pose a familiar menace in British gardens throughout the summer months, frequently disrupting outdoor activities. They congregate around rubbish bins and take up residence in sheds, developing into a significant pest problem often without homeowners being aware.
According to Elizabeth Adams, a storage and garden specialist from UrbanLocker.co.uk, the issue frequently stems from inadequate outdoor maintenance. “Garden benches, sheds, cushion boxes, or anything with a lid or crevice can look like a ready-made nest site to a wasp,” she cautioned.
The problem extends beyond mere clutter; even “sugar residue on outdoor tables, rotting fruit under trees, or wet cushions shoved in a bench box” can attract them.
Wasps are a common threat in UK gardens during summer(Image: Getty)
Fortunately, there exists a straightforward, natural solution that can be prepared at home using just three ingredients — and it requires neither harsh chemicals nor expensive pest control services.
Elizabeth emphasised how her preferred DIY spray effectively repels wasps, owing to its potent aroma and lasting effect on garden surfaces, reports the Express.
“These oils contain compounds that wasps find overwhelming. One quick spray around your seating area or shed door can keep them from building nests or hovering nearby,” she explained.
The homemade concoction — comprising 500ml of water, a tablespoon of washing-up liquid, and a combination of geranium essential oil and clove — is both economical and effective.
At merely £4.59 for the essential ingredients, it represents an affordable remedy that delivers optimal results when applied every few days to decking, patio furniture, storage containers, and any areas where wasps are prone to gather.
However, Elizabeth emphasises that the spray represents only part of the answer, with proper storage and regular maintenance proving just as crucial.
She said: “The key is not just sealing them up but using the right kind of storage,” which means replacing cardboard boxes with airtight garden containers fitted with secure clips, while routinely inspecting for early indicators of nests.
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