THE good news is that warmer weather is on the way, but here’s the sting in the tale – so too are an estimated 235BILLION wasps.
Forecasts suggest this summer is likely to be a scorcher, meaning Britain’s wasp population is set to soar by 150 per cent.
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Pest control chiefs are gearing up for a record number of callouts, but have added that wasps are “essential pollinators” and should not be killed.
There are plenty of ways to protect yourself if you don’t fancy ending up with a nasty sting.
Here we reveal some home hacks to help keep you safe from the yellow peril . . .
LEAVE PENNIES LYING AROUND
WASPS are said to hate the smell of copper, so dig about for some loose change and rub a few 1p and 2p coins together so the scent transfers to your hands.
Queen of Clean influencer Mrs Hinch is a big fan of the penny trick for keeping wasps, flies and other insects at bay.
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She said: “Half-fill some clear plastic bags with water, with a few coins in them.
"Hang on windows or doors and you won’t see a fly in your house. They think the bags are hives and won’t go near.”
GO EASY ON AFTERSHAVE
SWEET scents attract wasps because they think it is flowers.
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So go easy on the aftershave or perfume, especially those with floral scents.
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Wasps also like salt and the smell of sweat, so make sure you use deodorant before you head out for the day – though not those that smell of flowers, of course.
TRY USING SOME CITRONELLA
THIS naturally occurring oil cuts wasp and other insect activity by masking scents they find attractive.
It is made by distilling lemongrass leaves and stems, and is sold in spray bottles or as a candle, which is great for keeping wasps and other insects at bay while you are outdoors.
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The candles are sold for as little as £1 at discount stores.
WEAR RED CLOTHING
COLOURS can influence wasps’ behaviour, so think about your wardrobe carefully before that picnic in the sun.
Yellow and white are known to attract wasps because they replicate flowers where they find their prey or nectar.
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Wasps are least attracted to dark colours such as blue and black.
Like most insects, the only colour wasps can’t see is red, so they aren’t attracted to it, making it the safest bet for clothing.
MAKE USE OF DIY WASP TRAPS
DON’T buy a wasp trap – just use a jam jar, ideally with traces of jam.
Pierce a hole in the lid big enough to let wasps in, half-fill it with water or beer, add jam if needed and a dash of washing-up liquid.
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Or use an almost empty bottle of wine to lure the wasps in, then release them away from people.
MAKE A DUMMY WASP NEST
THIS simple paper-bag trick could help you avoid attack.
Simply shape a brown paper bag into a ball – at least the size of your fist – to resemble a wasps’ nest and hang it from a tree.
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Wasps think it’s a rival group and will stay clear.
BURN COFFEE GROUNDS
WASPS hate the strong scent.
Try recycling your old coffee grounds by putting them in a fireproof bowl and lighting them until they smoke.
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But be careful, they can get very hot, so keep them out of the reach of children.
MAKE A BASIL AND GARLIC MIXTURE
BASIL and garlic may get our mouths watering – but wasps can’t stand them.
So try placing a pot of basil on the table, or leave a few garlic cloves spread out.
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Or next time you’re cooking pasta, chop up some extra garlic and blend with the basil then add them to a spray bottle full of water.
Let them soak for a while, then spray the liquid in the house or where you are sitting when outside.
MAKE CUCUMBER SANDWICHES
QUEEN ELIZABETH II was said to be a huge fan of cucumber sandwiches – and there might be good reason.
Wasps are thought not to like the bitterness of the acidic cucumber peel.
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So when you’re thinking of what to take on your picnic, cucumber sandwiches could be your best bet.
But make sure you keep the skin on.
SPRAY SOME PEPPERMINT OIL
IT’S another natural repellent, that is thought to be a success, as wasps don’t like the strong scent.
Apply a few drops around potential nest sites and the wasps should find another place to build their home.
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Try mixing the oil, which you can buy for a couple of quid, with your everyday dish soap in a water solution and spray it around the house.
It will leave your home smelling minty fresh too. Placing a pot of mint on a table can also help.
