Keeping wasps away from your garden becomes a top priority in August, when sunny UK afternoons, ripe fruit, and outdoor feasts create the perfect storm for these unwelcome visitors. With barbecues, picnics, and lazy days on the lawn in full swing, wasps can turn from a minor annoyance to a real buzzkill. It’s not just about avoiding the sting — it’s about protecting your family, pets, and the peaceful rhythm of summer.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to keep wasps out of your garden using natural deterrents, smart do’s and don’ts, and we’ll highlight when it’s time to call in a professional pest control expert.
Why Are Wasps a Bigger Problem in August?
August is peak season for wasps. Throughout spring and early summer, wasp colonies grow steadily. By late summer, their numbers are at their highest, and their food sources start to dwindle. Worker wasps, no longer needed to feed larvae (who were producing a sugary secretion that kept them occupied), become restless and more aggressive in their search for sugar and protein.
As a result, your garden, especially if it contains sweet drinks, fallen fruit, or protein-rich barbecue leftovers, becomes a magnet for them.
Common UK Wasps: Know Your Enemy
There are approximately over 7,000 species of wasp in the UK, but two types are most commonly encountered in gardens:
- Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
- German Wasp (Vespula germanica)
Both species build nests in trees, sheds, wall cavities and underground burrows. They’re known for their yellow and black striped bodies and aggressive behaviour when provoked.
Natural Ways to Deter Wasps from Your Garden
- Peppermint Oil Spray
Wasps dislike the strong scent of peppermint. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and a little washing-up liquid in a spray bottle. Spray around garden furniture, door frames, windowsills, and anywhere you often see wasps.
- Clove, Geranium & Lemongrass Blend
In a 500ml spray bottle, combine a few drops of clove, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils with water. Spray in high-traffic wasp areas to repel them naturally.
- Citronella Candles
While more commonly used for repelling mosquitoes, citronella candles also help deter wasps. Use them during outdoor meals or garden gatherings.
- Plant Wasp-Repelling Herbs
Planting herbs such as basil, mint, and thyme around patios or seating areas can act as a mild deterrent. These plants not only repel wasps but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Cucumber Slices
Strangely enough, the acidity in cucumber skin can irritate wasps. Place slices near common entry points or food areas; it’s not a foolproof method, but it can be part of a broader wasp-prevention plan.
- Hang a Decoy Nest
Wasps are territorial and often won’t build a nest near another. Hanging a fake wasp nest (available online or from garden centres) may deter new colonies from forming nearby.
Garden Do’s and Don’ts in Wasp Season
| ✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
| Keep food and drink covered outdoors. | Swat or wave arms at wasps — it makes them more aggressive. |
| Clean up spills, especially sugary drinks like cola or fruit juices. | Leave meat or sugary treats unattended outside. |
| Empty bins regularly and keep lids tightly closed. | Leave pet food outdoors, especially during the midday hours. |
| Rinse recycling thoroughly before putting it outside. | Attempt to remove an active nest yourself — this is dangerous. |
| Pick up fallen fruit from trees and bushes promptly. | Hang traps too close to seating or eating areas. |
| Keep compost heaps covered. | Block up nest entrances without professional advice — this can cause wasps to enter your home. |
| Close windows and doors when not in use, especially during food prep. | Use sweet-smelling perfumes or lotions before spending time in the garden. |
When to Call a Local Wasp Control Expert
While DIY deterrents can reduce wasp visits, there are situations where it’s best, and safest, to call a professional:
- You see wasps entering and exiting the same hole in a wall, roof or tree (sign of a nest).
- There’s a visible nest in a high-traffic area like near doors, patios, or play areas.
- You or someone in your household is allergic to wasp stings.
- The infestation is worsening, and your deterrents aren’t effective.
Pest control professionals in the UK are trained to remove nests safely, often with protective equipment and specialised treatments. Many local councils offer wasp nest removal for a fee, or you can find private pest control services via the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).
What About Wasp Traps?
Wasp traps can reduce the numbers, but they aren’t always selective. They lure wasps with sweet liquid and trap them inside. You can buy ready-made versions or make your own by cutting the top off a plastic bottle, inverting it into the bottom half, and filling it with a sugary bait (like diluted jam or beer).
Place traps far away from seating and eating areas; you don’t want to draw wasps closer to your guests.
Should a nest be destroyed in Autumn?
If you discover a wasp nest in late autumn, it’s likely abandoned or dying out naturally. Most wasps die off as temperatures drop, and the queen hibernates. In this case, it’s best to wait until winter and safely remove the dormant nest. Don’t assume it’s inactive without observing it over a few days.
Protecting Children and Pets
Wasps can pose a threat to children and pets who may not recognise the risk. Some safety tips include:
- Teach children not to wave or run from wasps.
- Avoid brightly coloured clothes and strong perfumes outdoors.
- Keep pet food indoors or cleared away quickly.
- If a pet is stung, monitor for allergic reactions, swelling, vomiting, or unusual behaviour should prompt an urgent vet visit.
The Role of Wasps in the Ecosystem
It’s easy to dislike wasps, but they do have value. Wasps are natural predators, feeding on flies, caterpillars, and other garden pests. They play a role in pollination too, though less efficiently than bees.
So, while deterring them from social areas is wise, avoid unnecessarily destroying nests that pose no threat.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Garden Wasp-Free
Wasps in August have a habit of turning peaceful garden moments into unexpected drama, and they rarely show up alone. But with a bit of practical know-how, a few natural deterrents, and the right expert ready if needed, you can take back control of your outdoor space.
Don’t wait for someone to break into the wasp dance; prevention is the best protection. Try out the tips above and let us know what’s worked in your garden. For more smart ways to keep your home and garden calm, clean, and wasp-free, keep following thehouseholddaily.
