Latest news with #NeemOil
The Irish Sun
13 minutes ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
The clever paper bag hack that deters wasps – it's so effective at keeping them away & involves no chemicals
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Plus scroll down for more garden hacks BUZZ OFF The clever paper bag hack that deters wasps – it's so effective at keeping them away & involves no chemicals EVERYONE has a spring in their step when the sun comes out but warmer weather means more bugs - including wasps. The UK is experiencing a surge in numbers of the yellow and black pests, with the current hot weather creating favourable conditions for the winged stingers to thrive. 1 The clever paper bag hack that deters wasps without using chemicals Credit: Getty Problems with wasps Pest control company Rentokil reported a 618 per cent increase in people requesting assistance with the winged insects compared to last year. But with an estimated 7,000 species in the UK, how can you get them to leave you alone this summer? One disgruntled homeowner had enough of the pests and wrote on social media site Reddit: "Hello! I'm wondering if there is any sure fire way to keep wasps away without the use of chemicals. "I have two little boys who love to play outside and we don't mind the honey bees or bumblebees but the wasps are already an issue this year. "Not really looking to kill but looking more for a good deterrent?" The post received over 173 likes and 140 comments but one specific hack seemed popular among many. The Paper bag hack "I actually hung up a paper lunch bag under an awning where wasps always built nests, and haven't had another wasp nest in 2-3 years," responded one user. "My buddy did this with like a burger King bag and it worked for him to keep them off his front porch," said another. Another added: "Wasps are extremely territorial, they see anything that looks like a nest and move on." While a fourth explained: "Hang a paper lunch bag (white or brown) with wadded up newspaper in it, tie the top and hang under eaves." How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack "Hang up small paper bags wherever you don't want them. They think it's an existing wasp nest and they'll find some other place," suggested another commentator. While another suggested: "I use a sandwich paper bag. Fill it with one or two bunched up plastic shopping bags. "Tie off and hang so it is prominent and visible and slightly moving with air currents! It is like magic. "Many ppl in my HOA do that and it is effective. No chemicals!" Tips for keeping pests from your garden 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. More Garden Hacks Now that we're in the final few weeks of summer, you may think it's time to hang up your gardening gloves for the year. However, there are plenty of gorgeous flowers that will continue blooming in to autumn, and can even survive the harsh winter months - more information here. And a mum has revealed how three of her children share one room - and how she makes it work for them. Rebecca, who posts under @rebeccadal9412, shared how she picked up a £9 Ikea buy to separate the room into a section for her daughter, and then her two sons. Plus, it can be pretty annoying if your neighbour has overgrown trees in their garden than hang over yours. But before you start chopping off branches, there are four little-known rules you must follow. And if stubborn weeds keep popping up around your garden and driveway, Home Bargains has just the thing. You can tackle these unwanted plants in seconds using this handy gadget.
Scottish Sun
14 minutes ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
The clever paper bag hack that deters wasps – it's so effective at keeping them away & involves no chemicals
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Plus scroll down for more garden hacks BUZZ OFF The clever paper bag hack that deters wasps – it's so effective at keeping them away & involves no chemicals Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EVERYONE has a spring in their step when the sun comes out but warmer weather means more bugs - including wasps. The UK is experiencing a surge in numbers of the yellow and black pests, with the current hot weather creating favourable conditions for the winged stingers to thrive. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The clever paper bag hack that deters wasps without using chemicals Credit: Getty Problems with wasps Pest control company Rentokil reported a 618 per cent increase in people requesting assistance with the winged insects compared to last year. But with an estimated 7,000 species in the UK, how can you get them to leave you alone this summer? One disgruntled homeowner had enough of the pests and wrote on social media site Reddit: "Hello! I'm wondering if there is any sure fire way to keep wasps away without the use of chemicals. "I have two little boys who love to play outside and we don't mind the honey bees or bumblebees but the wasps are already an issue this year. "Not really looking to kill but looking more for a good deterrent?" The post received over 173 likes and 140 comments but one specific hack seemed popular among many. The Paper bag hack "I actually hung up a paper lunch bag under an awning where wasps always built nests, and haven't had another wasp nest in 2-3 years," responded one user. "My buddy did this with like a burger King bag and it worked for him to keep them off his front porch," said another. Another added: "Wasps are extremely territorial, they see anything that looks like a nest and move on." While a fourth explained: "Hang a paper lunch bag (white or brown) with wadded up newspaper in it, tie the top and hang under eaves." How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack "Hang up small paper bags wherever you don't want them. They think it's an existing wasp nest and they'll find some other place," suggested another commentator. While another suggested: "I use a sandwich paper bag. Fill it with one or two bunched up plastic shopping bags. "Tie off and hang so it is prominent and visible and slightly moving with air currents! It is like magic. "Many ppl in my HOA do that and it is effective. No chemicals!" Tips for keeping pests from your garden 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. More Garden Hacks Now that we're in the final few weeks of summer, you may think it's time to hang up your gardening gloves for the year. However, there are plenty of gorgeous flowers that will continue blooming in to autumn, and can even survive the harsh winter months - more information here. And a mum has revealed how three of her children share one room - and how she makes it work for them. Rebecca, who posts under @rebeccadal9412, shared how she picked up a £9 Ikea buy to separate the room into a section for her daughter, and then her two sons. Plus, it can be pretty annoying if your neighbour has overgrown trees in their garden than hang over yours. But before you start chopping off branches, there are four little-known rules you must follow. And if stubborn weeds keep popping up around your garden and driveway, Home Bargains has just the thing. You can tackle these unwanted plants in seconds using this handy gadget.
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: should I be worried by ‘tiny spiders' on my plants?
What's the problem? I've noticed tiny webs and bugs on my orchid. Are these spiders, and will they harm my plant? Diagnosis Those tiny webs and minuscule bugs you've spotted on your plants sound like spider mites. These aren't spiders but microscopic arachnids that thrive in dry, warm conditions, so you'll notice they appear during summer heatwaves or winter months when central heating reduces humidity. They feed on plant sap, weakening the plant's structure, which leads to yellowing leaves, discoloration and eventually leaf drop. They can multiply rapidly, posing a risk to your plant's long-term health. Prescription Immediately isolate affected plants. Gently but thoroughly wash leaves and stems with a mild solution of soapy water to remove mites and their webs. Follow this by treating the foliage weekly with neem oil or an organic insecticidal soap spray. Raising humidity around the plant by misting, using pebble trays filled with water beneath pots, or employing a humidifier can also help reduce the likelihood of further mite infestations. Prevention Regularly inspect your plants, especially under the leaves and along stems, where spider mites prefer to hide and lay eggs. Maintain healthy humidity levels by grouping plants to create microclimates or misting foliage regularly. Implement good plant hygiene through regular watering practices and routine leaf cleaning. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: should I be worried by ‘tiny spiders' on my plants?
What's the problem? I've noticed tiny webs and bugs on my orchid. Are these spiders, and will they harm my plant? Diagnosis Those tiny webs and minuscule bugs you've spotted on your plants sound like spider mites. These aren't spiders but microscopic arachnids that thrive in dry, warm conditions, so you'll notice they appear during summer heatwaves or winter months when central heating reduces humidity. They feed on plant sap, weakening the plant's structure, which leads to yellowing leaves, discoloration and eventually leaf drop. They can multiply rapidly, posing a risk to your plant's long-term health. Prescription Immediately isolate affected plants. Gently but thoroughly wash leaves and stems with a mild solution of soapy water to remove mites and their webs. Follow this by treating the foliage weekly with neem oil or an organic insecticidal soap spray. Raising humidity around the plant by misting, using pebble trays filled with water beneath pots, or employing a humidifier can also help reduce the likelihood of further mite infestations. Prevention Regularly inspect your plants, especially under the leaves and along stems, where spider mites prefer to hide and lay eggs. Maintain healthy humidity levels by grouping plants to create microclimates or misting foliage regularly. Implement good plant hygiene through regular watering practices and routine leaf cleaning. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
Scottish Sun
01-06-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Cheap 16p hack helps to repel ants from your garden this summer – but be careful to avoid an easy mistake
A SIMPLE step can help protect your plants from an ant infestation this summer. And you won't have to worry about your flowerbeds because this hack is all-natural and budget-friendly. 2 A handy hack helps to repel ants from your plants this summer (stock image) Credit: Getty Adding this affordable item to your garden can help to repel unwanted pests all summer long. The scent of bananas is said to work as a natural repellant for insects such as aphids. According to the experts at The Cool Down, placing banana peels in the soil around your plants can work as a barrier for ants. They recommend simply covering your peels with a thin layer of soil for this hack. Alternatively, you can cut the peel into small pieces and evenly distribute them throughout your garden. And since you can pick up bananas for just 16p a-piece from Sainsbury's, this step won't break your budget. There are important steps to remember when carrying out this unique hack. When burying banana peels, make sure to fully cover them in soil so as not to attract animals to your garden. You should also make sure not to leave the peels exposed as it can attract flies to your garden. As well as burying the peels, you can also use them to create a banana water spray. Top Hacks to Keep Foxes Out of Your Garden First, place a banana peel in five cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once the mixture has cooled down, add it to a spray bottle and spritz the mixture directly on the leaves and stems of your plants. Severe infestations can cause plant leaves to turn yellow and die as aphids transmit viruses from plant to plant. You can also use soap and tights to repel flies from your home this summer. A budget-friendly hack can help to banish slugs and snails from your garden. Tips for keeping pests from your garden 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. You can also use a £1.40 household item to deter ants from entering your home. A 49p hack helps to keep wasps from your garden, but you'll want to act soon. Another trick prevents squirrels from digging up your garden and all you need is a kitchen staple. And common storage mistakes may be attracting rodents to your garden shed. A £7 Waitrose buy helps to repel insects from your garden while keeping you cool at the same time.
