Expert shares 49p hack to keep wasps away from gardens

Avoiding a sting can be difficult sometimes, especially when there’s more than one of the yellow and black striped creatures flying around.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, enjoying drinks on the patio, or just soaking up the sunshine, nothing ruins a relaxing afternoon like having to dodge these stinging pests.

If they decide to stick around and build a nest, that’s when things get really costly with professional removal fees reaching up to £241, according to an outdoor plants expert.

A simple and natural approach can mean it won’t get to this, with Liam Cleary, an outdoor plants expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre, sharing some top tips and a 49p hack.

How to use 49p lavender hack to keep wasps away

Liam shared that lavender can be the ideal way to keep wasps away from your garden and with seeds costing 49p from The Range, this hack doesn’t have to break the bank.

Alternatively, you can buy a lavender plant from IKEA for £3.

Liam said: “Wasps are highly sensitive to strong scents and lavender is one they really don’t like.

“Planting it near seating areas, doorways or patios can help mask the smells that attract them like food, sugary drinks or perfumes.”

Lavender is a strong smell for wasps (Image: Getty)

Why does lavender keep wasps away from your garden

Lavender contains essential oils like linalool and camphor which give it that distinctive floral smell.

While it’s pleasant to humans (and pollinators like bees and butterflies), it’s overwhelming to wasps which rely heavily on scent to detect food. 

It also happens to be one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow, Liam explains.

He says it’s drought-tolerant, looks great in any outdoor space and is available in compact pots for patios or larger varieties to border garden paths.

Liam added: “It’s low maintenance, smells incredible, and keeps your garden feeling calm, all while helping you enjoy a wasp-free zone.”

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How to get the best results from lavender

• Choose a sunny spot - lavender loves full sun and well-drained soil so avoid shaded or damp areas

• Go for pots or raised planters - these make it easier to move the plants where needed and work brilliantly on patios or balconies

• Don’t overwater - lavender is drought-tolerant and prefers slightly dry conditions. Overwatering can cause it to wilt or rot

• Pair it with other natural deterrents - if you’re prone to wasp visits, try planting lavender alongside mint, thyme or lemongrass for an extra layer of protection

Wasps become more aggressive from late June into August as their colonies grow and natural food sources decline, making them more likely to pester humans for sugary snacks and drinks.

Other ways to keep wasps away from your garden

Liam shared some other tips to stop wasps ruining your garden, including covering food and drinks, avoiding bright clothing and strong perfumes and sealing bins and compost.

The BBC’s Gardeners’ World Magazine shared some more tips for keeping wasps away from your garden.

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It warned Brits to make sure BBQs are attended at all times when cooking and avoid wearing perfume in the garden as you might attract wasps.

Another suggestion it made is to hang a fake wasps nest in your garden which will deter wasps from entering as they are territorial and will think other wasps have already nested there.

You should make sure any pet food is attended to or put away to avoid attracting wasps.