Spraying a 69p Aldi buy around patios & doors will repel wasps for good – as ‘monster' nests spotted across UK
Experts have warned that the
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Macro shot of wasps at the entrance of their nest
Credit: Getty
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Britain faces a surge of monster wasp nests as big as space hoppers, an expert has warned
Credit: Credit: Pen News/Lisa Meyer
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Garlic granules can be purchased from Aldi for just 69p
Credit: Aldi
Andrew Dellbridge of Ace Pest Control revealed that the UK is seeing a "population explosion" of the irritating critters, with wasps becoming aggressive towards humans, and even chewing through plasterboard to make nests.
Thankfully,
Josh Novell, garden expert at
'Garlic is a surprisingly effective wasp repellent,' said Josh.
'Its strong smell overwhelms a wasp's senses and naturally drives them away. It's safe, cheap, and easy to use.'
Read more pest stories
Garlic granules can be picked up from Aldi for just 69p, making this an extremely budget friendly hack.
There are a variety of ways you can use the seasoning to banish wasps, including simply placing granules in a bowl and near outdoor seating and food.
Alternatively, fill a spray bottle with water and one to two teaspoons of garlic powder.
Shake the concoction to mix it, and then spray it around patios, door and bins.
Most read in Fabulous
Or, you could even grow your own garlic plants in the garden, to repel wasps all year long.
Josh also warned against the common trap of setting out a jar or jam or sugar to lure wasps.
Killer Asian hornet filmed decapitating and devouring wasp in Kent amid fears of UK-wide invasion
'Sweet traps can attract wasps from neighbouring areas, increasing activity rather than reducing it,' he said.
'You're unintentionally drawing them in.'
Pest control expert Andrew revealed that the
This means that their nests are already surpassing last year's size, with months still left to go until they die off.
Keep pests out all summer
IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps
- hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths
- acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants
- herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes
- plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
He said: "By September-October, the right back end of the season before they all die off, we should be in massive nest territory."
"I worry about the big ones", he continued.
"I always try to use a comparison - and the space hopper is as big as it can get.
"And that hums and it's quite a foe."
The expert added that wasps usually become increasingly aggressive in the
autumn
, but this will also be happening earlier this year, with wasps destroying people's
homes
to make way for their nests.
"I had one yesterday," he said.
"Hundreds of wasps piling into someone's house because they literally chewed through already."
He added that the number of wasps in nests has grown dramatically this year.
"This year, whereas you'd possibly have hundreds, or a thousand or so in there, I'm predicting that we'll have thousands in each nest", he warned.
"So you're not going to miss them. We are up for a bit of a challenge I think."
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Paula McGrath is a novelist and assistant professor of Creative Writing at UCD Reading list Stasiland by Anna Funder (2004) – pulling back the Iron Curtain one essay at a time. Wifedom: Mrs Orwell's Invisible Life (2024) – yes, I'm sneaking in Funder's novel, too. Wifedom combines the biography of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, wife of George Orwell, with personal memoir, exploring for both women what it means to be a writer and a wife. Milkman by Anna Burns (2018) – the GOAT, in this writer's humble opinion. Generation (2015) and A History of Running Away (2017) by Paula McGrath – because if you liked this series, you might enjoy the novels ...
