Get rid of invasion hornets and wasps using expert's £2.66 'best method'
Gardening experts recommend using strong scents from plants to effectively deter invasive Asian hornets and wasps from UK gardens.
Asian hornets have recently reappeared in UK gardens, posing a significant threat due to their invasive nature. To combat this, gardening experts have shared effective methods to deter these pests, ensuring a more enjoyable outdoor space.
James Ewens, the commercial director of outdoor furniture specialists Alexander Francis, recommends leveraging strong scents to keep wasps and hornets away.
“Strong scents are one of the best ways to deter wasps, and there are a few plants you can put in your garden to help with this,” Ewens explained.
While many are familiar with citronella candles, having the actual citronella plant can be even more effective. Similarly, spearmint and lemongrass can repel these pests, and combining all three around your garden can provide the best chance of keeping them at bay.
Spearmint can be bought by the bag for around £2.66 - while lemongrass retails at around £2 from a whole food brand.
For those who lack space for these plants, Ewens suggests mixing their essential oils with water to create a sprayable solution that can be applied to areas where wasps or hornets have previously nested.
Ewens also stressed the importance of maintaining a clean garden to avoid attracting pests.
“It might sound like an obvious one, but the importance of keeping food away from wasps and hornets can’t be understated,” he added.
Ensuring that all food scraps are cleared, bins are sealed, and dishes are promptly washed can significantly reduce the likelihood of attracting these insects.
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He also advises thoroughly cleaning barbecues after use and keeping sugary drinks covered and not left outside for long periods.
For additional gardening tips, Monty Don shares advice on extending the flowering season of sweet peas.
“Few garden chores can be as pleasant or undemanding as this,” he says, recommending that gardeners regularly pick all flowers from their sweet pea plants to prevent the development of seed pods, which drain energy from the plant.
Don finds that the optimal picking period is about ten days, and it is import to remove every flower to enjoy fragrant blooms indoors.
By following these expert tips, gardeners can enjoy their outdoor spaces while effectively deterring unwanted pests like Asian hornets and wasps.
