Wasps are pests during the summer months and will buzz around tables when Britons are socialising in their sunny gardens.
Food, drink and even bright colours can attract them and, in some cases, they will sting people.
With this in mind, Robert Collins at Myjobquote.co.uk, the UK’s leading trades matching site, has shared exclusively with Express.co.uk the best methods to deter wasps.
1. Deter with strong scents
Wasps dislike certain strong smells and will be deterred by them. Certain herbs, plants and food items will keep wasps at bay.
Robert said: “Fresh mint, coffee grounds, tomato stems, and cloves are just some examples of scents that wasps hate.
“Consider growing some herbs indoors. If you grow herbs on your kitchen windowsill, this can help to deter wasps.
“You can also use essential oils to deter wasps. Peppermint oil is one of the best essential oils to keep wasps away.
“Add some peppermint oil to cotton balls or tissues and scatter these around your garden. Also, place it between any gaps or in areas where wasps could congregate.”
2. Keep all food covered
Wasps, like flies, are attracted to food and drinks, especially if it’s sweet. Leaving food out uncovered will attract wasps.
Make sure food left out in the garden is kept covered and all bins have lids and are not messy. Wasps will be attracted to food no matter where it is.
3. Use citronella candles
Citronella candles can be used to deter a range of different pests, including wasps. Put them out in the garden to keep wasps away when socialising.
Wasps hate the strong scent of citrus. If the candles are not available, citronella incense can be used instead.
4. Distract them with something sweet
Gardeners can make a DIY wasp trap to help capture wasps and keep them away from food and drinks while socialising.
To do this, half fill a bottle with something sweet like sugar water, sugary juice, or something similar.
The solution will attract the wasps, inviting them into the bottle which they will struggle to escape from and will become trapped in the liquid.
Place the trap somewhere on the outside of the garden, away from where you are socialising.
5. Avoid swatting
Although it’s tempting, the expert claimed homeowners must avoid flapping their arms around and trying to swat the wasp away.
He said: “This will only enrage or excite the wasp, which will then make it more likely to sting you.
“As difficult as it may be, the best thing you can do when a wasp approaches is stay as calm and still as you possibly can.”