As summer fast approaches and the barbecue season is on the horizon, we will all be spending more and more time in our gardens. As we don’t always have the luxury of warm weather in the UK, we will all be making the most of it and enjoying our time outdoors. Now, I don’t want to spoil the party, but the wasps may do.
That’s the one downside to summer – wasps!
It’s almost impossible to control them and completely prevent them from entering your garden, but what you can do is follow some simple steps below to make sure you garden isn’t a lead magnet for wasps…
Why are wasps usually in your garden?
- To find their nest
- To find food
- To find water
Hopefully, by making sure none of the above are readily available for wasps, they will decide to annoy your neighbours instead!
Finding Water
Especially in the summer heat, when everybody is trying to cool down – so are wasps. They are always looking for water, where they can have a drink, cool off and meet their friends.
Although the rain is out of our control, we can try to reduce the water duration in our garden – this may be by turning your sprinkles away from pavements (this is a wasp favourite!) or removing your bird bath.
Looking for Insects
Just like us, wasps are always hungry and looking for insects to much on. Wasps will eat many kinds of insects from spiders to caterpillars and even flies. A good way to eliminate this attraction is by treating your plants for pests, so they aren’t covered in insects.
Choose your Flowers wisely
Wasps have a sweet tooth. No seriously.
Wasps absolutely love sweet smelling flowers and it’s the nectar that draws them in.
However, wasps don’t like all flowers and there are some plants that you can get to reduce the risk of wasps invading your garden party. Red flowers are a great way to deter wasps as many of these pests aren’t actually attracted to warm red colours, similarly to the smell of Marigolds.
The best way is to find flowers that don’t produce high levels of nectar, such as Geraniums or hard to access plants like roses.
Another good tip to avoid a wasp nest removal being required is to keep your plants away from any access points to your home e.g., doors, patio doors and windows.
On the hunt for Food
This has to be the worst. I mean, wasps really are scavengers. Wasps will be after your food, so if you’re planning a summer barbecue or picnic then you need to be extra vigilant.
Fizzy drinks and fruit juices are one of the main attractions for wasps, again because of their sweetness and sugar content. It’s also worth mentioning that they will be looking out for any scraps of meat, or other protein-based foods that may be in your bin!
And if you have a fruit tree in your garden, expect wasps to be lurking around it and the fallen fruits too.
Now, don’t let wasps ruin your summer!
If you follow the simple steps above, you will really decrease the risk of wasps swarming your garden, however it cannot be completely ruled out. So, if you do encounter any unwanted visitors, please get in touch with me and I will have this sorted in no time! And don’t forget you can also find me on Facebook.