Nothing ruins a sunny afternoon in the garden quite like the buzz of a wasp.
But if your outdoor space seems to be crawling with the insects this summer, you may be unknowingly giving them exactly what they’re looking for.
Pest experts have revealed the common features that attract wasps – and some of the biggest culprits are found in almost every British garden.
‘Many homeowners don’t realise that certain features in their garden can be highly attractive to wasps,’ John Whiteley–Wilkson, pest control expert at Acorn Environment Services, said.
‘Especially during the warmer months when colonies are at their busiest.
‘While you can’t completely prevent wasps from entering your garden, understanding what attracts them can help reduce the likelihood of them becoming a regular problem.’
According to Mr Whiteley-Wilkson, the types of trees, plants and even furniture you have in the garden can act as a beacon for insects.
It comes as petrified Brits say their gardens are crawling with wasps at this time of year – and with the warm weather set to continue, it’s likely they’ll stick around for a while.
One woman in Norfolk (left) revealed there were lots of wasps buzzing around her garden at this time of year. Another shared a video with a wasp buzzing around her head while she tried to enjoy the sun
Mr Whiteley–Wilkson explained that one of the biggest attractants for wasps is fallen fruit.
‘As fruit begins to ripen and fall from trees, it provides wasps with an easily accessible source of sugar,’ he said. ‘If fallen fruit is left on the ground, it can attract large numbers of foraging wasps.’
The expert recommends regularly collecting and disposing of fallen fruit throughout the summer to help keep the insects away.
Certain flowering plants can also attract wasps due to the nectar they produce, he explained.
‘Wasps feed on nectar and are naturally drawn to flowers, particularly those with strong scents and abundant pollen,’ he said.
‘While flowering plants are beneficial for pollinators, they can also increase wasp activity in a garden.’
Outdoor bins containing food waste are another common attraction, as wasps have an excellent sense of smell and can quickly locate food sources.
‘Bins containing leftover food, sugary drinks or food packaging can attract them from surprisingly long distances,’ Mr Whiteley–Wilkson said, adding that keeping bin lids closed and cleaning them regularly can help reduce the risk.
Barbecues, outdoor dining spaces and uncovered drinks can also draw wasps into gardens, the expert warned (stock image)
Barbecues, outdoor dining spaces and uncovered drinks can also draw wasps into gardens.
‘Sugary foods, soft drinks and even some alcoholic drinks are highly attractive to wasps,’ the expert said.
‘This is one of the reasons people tend to notice them more during garden parties and barbecues.’
Finally dense vegetation, sheds and other quiet, sheltered locations can provide ideal nesting opportunities.
‘Wasps prefer locations that are protected from the weather and human activity,’ he said.
‘Overgrown corners of gardens, roof spaces in sheds and gaps in structures can all provide suitable nesting sites.’
Mr Whiteley–Wilkson recommends carrying out regular inspections of these areas during the summer months.
‘If you notice increased wasp activity around a particular area of your property, it’s worth investigating further,’ he added. ‘Early identification of a nest can make treatment much easier than dealing with a large, established colony later in the season.’
Experts previously revealed the worst thing you can do if a wasp gatecrashes your picnic or al–fresco dinner.
The worst way you can react, they say, is by running away.
Seirian Sumner, a professor of Behavioural Ecology at University College London, warned if you start flapping and shouting, you are behaving like a predator.
‘This might trigger the wasp’s attack mode,’ she wrote on The Conversation.
‘Keep your mouth closed and avoid breathing heavily to minimise the release of carbon dioxide, which wasps use as a cue that a predator is attacking.’
