Latest news with #Grass247
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to spray washing up liquid across their gardens
As temperatures skyrocketed this weekend, Brits were urged take care to spray washing up liquid across their gardens if they want to avoid one vicious insect that is a frequent visitor Wasps are a nightmare whenever temperatures rise as they zip around your garden with their vicious stingers – but experts say washing up liquid can help ward them away. As the UK goes through its third heatwave of the season, many regions across Britain are saw weekend temperatures reach above 30C. Many of us are planning barbecues, outdoor dinner parties and even just some quality time in the garden. But before you pour yourself a glass of prosecco and pull out a good book, beware of the likely insurgency of all sorts of nuisance insects – including wasps. Few bugs inspire the same level of fear in British homes as wasps. Due to their painful stingers, most of us try to avoid the mean-spirited yellow insects as much as possible. Although, it is important to remember that wasps will only sting you if they feel threatened, so it's best to avoid swatting them away. Instead, try to stay calm and still until they pass by. Equally, while there are plenty of chemical wasp-killers on the market, you should avoid those too, as they can be overly harsh and risk wiping out too many insects. Though they may pose a nuisance, wasps are actually beneficial to your garden's eco-system. Like bees and butterflies, they act as pollinators, encouraging flowers and plants to proliferate. Luckily, there is a more gentle (and nice-smelling) solution. James Higgins, a gardening expert at Grass247, says: 'You can use essential oils to also create your own homemade wasp repellent.' He explains: 'Using a spray bottle, mix together a solution of water, a few tablespoons of washing up liquid and a few drops of an essential oil such as peppermint, lavender or clove oil.' Once you've done that, the application is simple. He continues: 'Lightly spritz this across your garden, focusing on any established wasp nests or places you've seen them frequently.' Washing up liquid kills wasps by disrupting the wasp's respiratory system. It creates a coating around their bodies and wings, causing them to suffocate and drown. Meanwhile, using strong-smelling essential oils like peppermint or lavender also helps to deter them from your garden. Wasps primarily rely on their sense of smell to track down food, so oils like these overwhelm their senses. Another helpful tip for keeping wasps at bay is to make sure your home and garden is as clean as possible. That means not leaving food lying out and keeping outdoor bins away from windows.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
The £3.99 plant that keeps pesky wasps at bay in your garden and the DIY spray you can make which they hate
SUMMER is great for barbecuing and being outside, but sadly we're often not alone out there. And although we may see some more beloved insects such as bees and butterflies, we're also likely to run into nuisances like wasps too. 3 3 Gardening expert James Higgins at Grass247 has shared three ways to naturally deter wasps so you can still enjoy your time outdoors without any pesky bugs. He said: 'Due to their sting, wasps can cause a panic when you find them flying around you. However, a wasp will only sting if they feel threatened, so try to stay calm and not swat at them when you find them in your garden. 'Wasps are also pollinators, and so they are important for the ecosystem and should be protected where possible, therefore it's important to opt for natural wasp repellent methods to try and keep them away from your space.' Here are his three top tips… 1. Plant some strong smells Planting strong scented plants is a great method when it comes to getting rid of wasps naturally. Wasps are very sensitive to smells, and so plants like lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus will put them off from coming into your garden. Herbs such as rosemary, sage and mint are also perfect ways to keep wasps out of your garden, as these have strong scents. You can also pop these in pots near your window to deter any wasps from accidentally flying into your home. 2. Create a homemade wasp repellent You can use essential oils to also create your own homemade wasp repellent. Using a spray bottle, mix together a solution of water, a few tablespoons of washing up liquid and a few drops of an essential oil such as peppermint, lavender or clove oil. Little known trick to keep wasps away all summer using a 1p coin 3 Lightly spritz this across your garden, focusing on any established wasp nests or places you've seen them frequently. 3. Get rid of any waste Wasps like to eat protein, and they especially love anything sugary, so make sure you get rid of any food waste and keep all outdoor bins closed and as clean as possible. It's also best to keep your outdoor bins as far away from your windows as you can, so that any lingering wasps don't come into your home through an open window. Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Keep wasps out of your garden with three-ingredient spray that's all natural
With the UK having enjoyed a scorcher of a weekend, a gardening expert has shared a simple way to keep wasps at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals or traps As the UK gears up for another scorching weekend, many Brits are planning to enjoy their gardens. However, we're seldom alone in our outdoor spaces, and wasps often prove to be unwanted visitors. Online searches for "how to deter wasps from garden" have surged by over 5,000% in the past month, indicating that homeowners are seeking solutions. Luckily, gardening expert James Higgins from Grass247 has revealed a natural and surprisingly potent method to ward off wasps without resorting to harsh chemicals or traps. Higgins points out that despite wasps' reputation for aggressive stinging, they usually only attack if they feel threatened. "Try to stay calm and avoid swatting at them," he advised. "Wasps also act as pollinators and play a crucial role in the ecosystem, so it's preferable to use natural methods to discourage them rather than annihilate them." One such technique is a homemade wasp spray that blends just three common ingredients: water, washing-up liquid, and essential oils, reports the Express. "In a spray bottle, simply mix water with a few tablespoons of washing-up liquid and add a few drops of essential oil," Higgins explained. "Peppermint, lavender, and clove oil are particularly effective, as wasps find their potent aromas overpowering and disagreeable." Once concocted, the mixture can be lightly sprayed around your garden, especially in areas where wasps tend to congregate or construct nests, such as under eaves, near outdoor seating areas, or around bins. The mixture serves as a mild deterrent rather than an exterminator, encouraging the insects to relocate without causing them harm. This spray also doubles up as a deterrent for ants and some types of flies, making it a fantastic all-purpose garden ally. While it may not completely eradicate wasps, this natural method aids in maintaining your garden as a more tranquil space during the summer months. And with temperatures rising above 30°C in parts of the UK this weekend, there's never been a better time to give this environmentally friendly spray a go.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
The easy homemade mixture that keeps pesky ants at bay in your home AND garden and the secret spot you need to spray
THE WEATHER is finally perfect for relaxing in your garden with a cold drink, but the ambience could easily be ruined by some unexpected guests. Not your neighbours popping round, but pesky ants who can take over your outdoor area during the hot summer months. 2 In fact, in the UK, the ant is the most common insect, so it's no surprise they seem to be just about everywhere, especially when the sun comes out. They're drawn to areas with moisture and food, which is why they're in gardens on the hunt for their next feast. But don't worry - you don't have to break the bank to keep the creepy crawlies at bay. Removing leaves, flowers and twigs is a must for gardeners keen to keep their space ant-free. Getting rid of these three things alone will make your space less attractive to ants. And although it may take a bit of work to get the job done, it will all be worth knowing you can put your feet up in peace afterwards. Gardening pro James Higgins at Grass247, recently revealed how garden fans can banish ants without harming them - and removing these three things from your garden is a must. He told the Mirror: 'Ants are attracted to dead organic waste in our gardens, such as leaves, flowers and even twigs.' Ants, as pesky as they may be, don't technically damage plants but can potentially damage the roots in pots, as well as cause havoc on lawns, the Royal Horticultural Society noted. This is why it's important to ditch organic waste to deter them in the first place. 'Killer' ants invading US as carnivorous insects attack humans with needle-like bite – and number will spike in weeks Plus, you get the added bonus of having a spick and span garden just in time for summer. 'So, if you've been doing any gardening, make sure you clean up any lingering waste and place it in a secure area, such as your garden waste bin or your garden compost,' the gardening whizz added. More tricks to keep ants out Ideally, you should deal with ants when they're still in your garden and not your home, Steven Walley, patio and paving expert from London Stone, told The signs could be small piles of sand or dirt around your patio slabs or pavement. Where these dirt piles are usually mean there's a nest nearby, so starting off with any treatments in these spots is the best course of action. Simply mix one part vinegar and three parts of water together and pour or spray it on any areas you suspect ants could be living. "If your garden patio is near the entryway of your home, don't forget to spray the solution on entry points such as window sills and backdoors, to deter them from coming inside," the pro said. Repeat this process once a week and the ants should naturally move on from your garden and home. Once the ant problem is dealt with it's also important to keep them from coming back. One way to do this, according to Steven, is the keep standing water, household bins and compost bins as far from your home as possible, since they're attracted to all three. 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.
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Urgent warning to any UK household with artificial grass this summer
Artificial turf is convenient at best, but anyone with fake grass in their garden is urged to take extra precautions before lighting the barbecue this summer Artificial grass can save you a huge amount of time and effort when it comes to maintenance – however, they can pose a huge risk when it comes to barbecue season. The summer has proved to be hot so far and many Brits are organising garden parties and barbecues. After all, nothing screams sunshine and holiday-fever quite like the hearty smell of smoked sausage and toasting burger buns. Unfortunately, experts warn that artificial grass owners need to be extra careful when lighting up their barbecues – otherwise they risk melting their garden. Artificial grass is typically made from high-quality synthetic material that is flame retardant. However, while it may not catch fire, it can still melt if it comes into contact with things like fireworks, cigarette butts and barbecues. Not only will this ruin the look of your garden, it can be costly to replace. Plus, leaving hot material on your artificial grass also risks damaging the turf below it. So, what's the solution? Fortunately, there are multiple ways around this issue that don't involve cancelling your barbecue parties. James Higgins, a gardening expert from Grass247, says: 'Having a BBQ in the sun is an essential activity for many Brits, but we understand the concerns you may have for your artificial turf. As long as you take the necessary safety measures, and take into account the type of barbecue you are using, it's absolutely okay to have a barbecue on artificial grass.' As for the best kind of barbecue to use, James says: 'It's recommended to use a metal standing barbecue on your fake grass, as this is raised and should stop any flames or heat from damaging the materials.' This doesn't mean that you can't use a disposable barbecue, however. In that case, James warns to 'never place it directly on the turf' and instead place it on a raised platform. He explains: 'You can create a platform using a metal table or stand, or rocks to protect the ground.' This way you don't have to invest in metal barbecue if it doesn't match your needs. Artificial grass owners should also be mindful of any hot, burning materials on their grass. To keep your garden safe, James urges that dropped hot food or spills should be 'cleared away quickly.' If you have already spilt hot food on your artificial grass, then there are a couple of ways to rectify the damage. James suggest simply trimming away the melted material, before cleaning the area with a surface cleaner to get rid of stains and bacteria. You should also take care to dispose of artificial grass trimmings. Otherwise, they risk becoming food for unsuspecting pets, who may be harmed by the grass' sharp texture. Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, you may find that the damage is permanent. In that case, it's best to call professionals in to replace it.
