Why your garden is a magnet for wasps: Petrified Brits say their gardens are crawling with insects – here’s what’s behind the invasion

Nothing ruins a sunny afternoon in the garden like the buzzing of a bumblebee.

But if your outdoor space seems to be crawling with bugs this summer, you may be unknowingly giving them exactly what they’re looking for.

Pest experts have revealed the common traits that attract wasps and some of the biggest culprits are found in almost every British garden.

‘Many homeowners don’t realize that some features in their garden can be extremely attractive to wasps,’ said pest control expert John Whiteley-Wilkson. Acorn Environmental Servicesin question.

‘Especially during the warmer months when colonies are at their densest.

‘Although you can’t completely stop 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 in your garden can be guides for insects.

This comes at a time when petrified Brits say their gardens are swarming with wasps at this time of year; and with the warm weather set to continue, they will likely stick around for a while longer.

A woman (left) in Norfolk said she sees lots of wasps buzzing around her garden at this time of year. Another shared a video of a hornet buzzing around her head as she tried to enjoy the sun.

Mr Whiteley-Wilkson explained that one of the biggest attractants for wasps was fallen fruit.

‘As the fruit begins to ripen and fall from the trees, it provides an easily accessible sugar source for wasps,’ he said. ‘If fallen fruit is left on the ground, it may attract large numbers of foraging wasps.’

The expert recommends regularly collecting and destroying fallen fruit throughout the summer to help keep insects away.

He also explained that some flowering plants can attract wasps because of the nectar they produce.

‘Wasps feed on nectar and are naturally attracted to flowers, especially those with strong scents and abundant pollen,’ he said.

‘While flowering plants are beneficial for pollinators, they can also increase bumblebee activity in the garden.’

Outdoor trash cans containing food waste are another common attraction, as wasps have an excellent sense of smell and can quickly find food sources.

“Bins containing food scraps, sugary drinks or food wrappers can attract them from surprisingly long distances,” Mr Whiteley-Wilkson said, adding that keeping bin lids closed and cleaning them regularly could help reduce the risk.

Barbecues, outdoor dining areas and uncovered drinks can also attract wasps to gardens, expert warns (stock image)

Barbecues, outdoor dining areas and outdoor beverages can also attract wasps to gardens.

‘Sugary foods, soft drinks and even some alcoholic drinks are quite attractive to wasps,’ said the expert.

‘This is one of the reasons why people notice them more during garden parties and barbecues.’

Finally, dense vegetation, sheds, and other quiet, sheltered places can provide ideal nesting opportunities.

‘Wasps prefer places protected from weather conditions and human activities,’ he said.

‘Overgrown corners of gardens, roof spaces in sheds and cavities in structures can all provide suitable nesting sites.’

Mr Whiteley-Wilkson recommends regular inspections of these areas during the summer months.

‘If you notice increased wasp activity in a particular area of ​​your property, it is 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 have previously revealed the worst thing you can do if a wasp ruins your picnic or al fresco dinner.

They say the worst response is to run away.

Seirian Sumner, professor of Behavioral Ecology at University College London, warned that if you start flapping your wings and screaming, you are behaving like a predator.

‘This could trigger the wasp’s attack mode,’ he wrote on The Conversation.

‘Keep your mouth closed and avoid heavy breathing to minimize the release of carbon dioxide, which wasps use as a signal that a predator is attacking.’