I'm a gardening expert, my 22p hack will banish wasps from your garden and it's probably already in your cupboard
WITH summer on the way Brits will be looking forward to al fresco dining.
But along with the lovely weather comes a familiar nuisance, wasps - the last thing anyone wants crashing their BBQ or picnic.
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Wasp season began in April, and this year's prolonged warm weather has created perfect conditions for them to thrive.
Painful stings can quickly ruin a sunny afternoon, and for those with allergies, they can even trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis.
There's also the risk of infestation. If wasps decide to build a nest in your home or garden, their numbers can multiply rapidly and removal by pest control professionals can cost as much as £200.
However, Josh Novell, garden expert at Polhill Garden Centre, says there's a simple, natural solution that could cost as little as 22p, and it's probably already in your kitchen.
'Garlic is a surprisingly effective wasp repellent,' explains Josh.
'Its strong smell overwhelms a wasp's senses and naturally drives them away. It's safe, cheap, and easy to use.'
Explaining how to use the allium to repel wasps, he adds: 'Place minced garlic in a small bowl near outdoor seating or food.
'You can also fill a spray bottle with water and 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Then shake well, and spray around patios, doors, and bins.
'Or, consider growing garlic in garden beds or containers.'
Many people's first instinct is to set out a jar of jam or sugary water to lure wasps, but Josh warns this can actually make things worse.
How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack
'Sweet traps can attract wasps from neighbouring areas, increasing activity rather than reducing it,' he explains. 'You're unintentionally drawing them in.'
Other natural, low-cost ways to keep wasps away include burning coffee grounds.
'Just place some dry grounds in a heatproof bowl and light them like incense,' Josh says.
'Fresh mint or peppermint oil can also work really well. Wasps hate the scent, so place a few mint sprigs on the table or dab peppermint oil around doorframes.
'And of course, always clean up spills and cover food and drink when eating outside. Even a half-empty glass can quickly draw them in.'
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.
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