Recent sightings of Asian hornets in the UK have sparked panic among garden owners, as many question whether it’s possible to safely get rid of them.
While an infestation must be dealt with by experts, there are tricks to keeping these wasps away from you and your loved ones.
James Ewens, Commercial Director of outdoor furniture experts Alexander Francis, has shared some simple tips to keep hornets and wasps out of your garden and avoid these pests this summer.
Strong scents are highly effective in deterring wasps, and there are several plants you can add to your garden to achieve this.
While many people are familiar with using citronella candles to ward off flies during outdoor dining, planting citronella in your garden can also help repel wasps.
Spearmint and lemongrass have similar effects, so planting a combination of these around your garden can maximise your chances of keeping pests away.
If you can’t or don’t want to plant these in your garden, you can mix their essential oils with water to create a spray. This solution can be applied to areas where wasps have nested before or where they are likely to appear.
It may seem obvious, but keeping food hidden from wasps and hornets is crucial to keeping them out of your garden.
This means more than just covering your sandwiches with tin foil; ensure all food scraps are cleared away, bins are sealed, and plates, dishes, and glasses are promptly cleaned and washed.
If you’re using the barbecue during summer, thoroughly clean it after use to avoid leaving any food bits that might attract pests.
Wasps and hornets are also attracted to sugar, so cover any cans of sugary drinks and avoid leaving them outside for long periods of time.
If you find yourself with a wasp or hornet nest, it’s strongly recommended not to try removing it yourself and instead calling a professional.
While there are many DIY tips online for wasp removal, they are often ineffective and can result in angry and aggressive wasps that can pose a risk to everyone around.
