Here are 4 ways to keep wasps away from your home this summer

Whether you’re allergic or are simply afraid of them, no one wants wasps flying around their home as they enjoy the glorious summer sunshine. So why not try these simple ways to keep those pesky bugs away.

Keep food and rubbish covered

The first thing you want to make sure you do is to keep all of your food and rubbish away and covered up. Whether you are keeping your rubbish outside or indoors, make sure your rubbish bags are tied up and your bins’ lids are shut correctly. This will stop them from hoarding rubbish.

If you are sitting outside with food, try your best to keep it covered so that the smell doesn’t attract wasps.

Patch up cracks

If you want to keep wasps out of your home, you have to make sure there are no ways in for them. Before summer starts, go around your house and check for cracks and if you find any be sure to repair them. The best time to check is either late autumn or early spring as this is when wasps are no longer around.

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Use wasp traps

Another good way of keeping wasps away from your home is to set up traps for them. You can make some at home with used plastic bottles or you can buy some at your local garden centre. Simply fill the trap with a tempting treat like sugar water and watch them congregate and get trapped. Try placing the traps away from your house for optimal use.

Make DIY wasp repellents

You can also make your own wasp repellent with various ingredients, here are three options:

• Clove-Geranium-Lemongrass oil blend

The first blend you could try is a mixture of clove, geranium and lemongrass essential oils. A study published in the Journal of Pest Management Science found that those scents mixed together repelled wasps. Simply mix several drops of each scent in a spray bottle with water and dish soap. Once made, spray the mixture on places you know wasps like to build their nests.

• Soap and water

The easiest repellent you can make is a mixture of soap and water. Simply mix two tablespoons of dish soap in a spray bottle then dilute with water. According to Chris Walker, an eco-friendly wasp removal expert:

The soap clogs their breathing pores (called spiracles) and they die almost instantly,

• Peppermint oil

According to the same study in the Journal of Pest Management Sciencewasps also hate peppermint oil. Simply put a few drops in some diluted soapy water and spray in areas where wasps congregate.