How To Get Rid Of Wasps When You're Eating Outside

Now that the weather is finally getting warmer and things are opening up once again, we're sure to spend a lot of our summer sitting in a pub garden or having a picnic with friends.

But how annoying is it when you set up outside, only to be joined by a pesky wasp, who wants in on your food too?

So how do you get rid of that unwanted pest, and keep them away?

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From what clothes to wear (yep, really) to burning candles to keep the wasps away, here's the lowdown from pest control expert Walter Murphy, from PriceYourJob.co.uk, on just how to get rid of those annoying guests we DEFINITELY don't want at the party.

1. Don't swat them away

It's important, when confronted by a wasp, not to wave your arms around or swat it away. Doing this can excite or enrage the wasp, which will only make it more likely to sting you.

While it may seem like a good idea to swat the wasp away, dead and dying wasps actually emit pheromones that attract other wasps to the area (yep!), so Murphy definitely doesn't recommend you do this, no matter how helpful you think you're being to the situation.

Instead, stay as calm and still as possible, until they leave you alone.

2. Avoid bright colours

Who knew that wasps were attracted to bright colours, as well as smell?

Wearing bright coloured clothing, or growing bright flowers in your garden, can attract hordes of wasps to your space.

However, light and pale colours, including tan, grey and cream, are considered 'safe' colours, says Murphy, while yellow, orange and red could be perceived by the wasp as a threat.

3. Burn citronella candles

Citronella is a simple yet effective way of keeping the wasps away, as its fresh and distinctive odour makes your alfresco setting harder to locate for wasps, bees and other insects.

If you can, burn a citronella candle or tealight in your garden, to help keep the pests away.

It's also a safer option for pets and children too.

Just remember to blow it out before you head inside.

4. Cover your food

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Wasps and other insects are less likely to pick up the scent of food if it is covered.

So, once you've finished dishing up, re-cover your tupperware boxes and don't leave things open.

Even if you only have a cloth to cover your food, the wasp will eventually give up and fly off if it finds it can't get to the food.

5. Grow strong smelling plants

While wasps have a strong sense of smell, they hate the odour of some plants, including fresh mint and tomato stems.

If gardening isn't your thing, wasps also hate the smell of ground coffee and cloves too.

It's the perfect excuse to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee out in your garden, and means the wasps will hopefully keep away too.

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6. Spray peppermint oil

Like citronella, peppermint oil also helps to keep the pests away.

Create a DIY spray - by shaking a tablespoon of peppermint oil with four cups of water in a spray bottle - and spray it around your dining table before you eat, to help drive the wasps away and stop them from bothering you.

Then sit back and enjoy your alfresco meal, without any interruptions.

Topics: Life News, Life

Aneira Davies

Aneira Davies is a freelance lifestyle journalist with a particular interest in interiors and craft. She has written for the Evening Standard, Prima, House Beautiful and Good Housekeeping.

@aneiradavies