Wasps can sting a number of times when they feel threatened leaving painful marks on humans – but there’s a way to keep them at bay and it’s not going to break the bank
Angry-looking wasps begin surging in numbers this month as their nests grow and the flying-insects start looking for food.
While they whizz around busy tables of people eating and drinking al-fresco, and launch themselves into homes, they do have some key uses in gardens. They are natural pest controllers, eating other insects that can often damage crops, and they are also pollinators.
Some species can even build nests that provide home and shelter for other insects. But not everyone in Britain is a fan of the wasp, despite their obvious benefits, and that’s because of their painful sting.
Unlike bees, wasps can sting as often as they like when they feel threatened. It is their primary defence mechanism there not only to protect themselves, but also their nest.
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While wasp season already began in April, people will have started seeing more of them from June to August, traditionally the hottest months of the year.
It’s common to see them perched on the rim of drink glasses left outside, as wasps are attracted to sweet and sugary drinks as they provide energy. And when they land on a plate of food, they are simply looking for any liquid residue to mop up for the same effect.
So how do you keep them at bay? There’s a simple method which is cost effective and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Experts advise spraying a garlic powder mix onto an area where wasps appear to congregate.
This could be near an outside table where people are eating and drinking, or even on a ledge. Wasps cannot stand the smell of garlic powder and are therefore likely to leave you alone. Eliminate Solutions recommends putting some garlic powder into a spray bottle and mixing it with water to create a repellent.
How to dispense the garlic powder
It says: “Spray garlic powder around the area where wasps have congregated, but don’t spray garlic powder directly on wasps.” One to two teaspoons of the seasoning is said to do the trick.
Wasps cannot stand the smell of garlic because it is said to disrupt their ability to find food – which is the main reason why many of them are out at this time of year. They are said to feel overwhelmed by the strong scent.
Experts at Chowhound also add: “Mix it up in a spray bottle and spray down bins, railings, and other areas to drive wasps elsewhere. Garlic solution in a spray bottle is also a great travel solution for wasp repellent, especially for activities like camping and picnicking.”
Other bugs that cannot handle garlic’s pungent smell are aphids, ants, spider mites, beetles, caterpillars, snails, slugs, mosquitoes, and even some types of mites – which means this simple method could help to protect some plants from the destruction of pests.
While garlic powdered remedies aren’t said to damage plants themselves, people have been warned to create the mix correctly with water, ensuring it’s not too concentrated.