Cornwall is basking in glorious warm, dry weather this summer – and while the sunshine is perfect for barbecues, beach picnics, and pub gardens, it also means one thing: wasps.
Now, as a pest controller I’ll be the first to admit that wasps do play a role in nature. They munch through garden pests like caterpillars and flies, and in the spring they’re actually quite handy little helpers. But come late summer, when their nest duties are over, wasps go looking for sweeter thrills – which often means your pint of cider, your strawberry jam, or your Cornish pasty.
So how do you enjoy the Cornish al fresco lifestyle without being dive-bombed by wasps? Here are some tried-and-tested tips:
1. Keep food covered until it’s time to eat
Think of wasps like opportunistic picnic crashers – if they can see or smell it, they’ll invite themselves in. Use food covers, lids, or even a tea towel draped over the sausage rolls until you’re ready to tuck in.
2. Sweet things = wasp magnets
Sugary drinks, fruit juices, and cake are like catnip for wasps. If you’re outside, pour drinks into closed bottles or cups with lids. And don’t leave that open can of cola lying about – a wasp might crawl in, and that’s a nasty surprise no one wants mid-gulp!
3. Try natural deterrents
There are a few scents that wasps can’t stand (unlike us humans who might find them quite refreshing).
- Cloves, lemon, and eucalyptus are all smells they’ll avoid – pop a few lemon halves studded with cloves around your table.
- Peppermint oil mixed with water and sprayed lightly on tablecloths or chairs can also keep them at bay.
4. Commercial traps & decoys
If you want something ready-made, there are plenty of wasp traps available from garden centres and online. These usually work by luring wasps into a container with a sweet bait they can’t escape from. (Top tip: don’t put the trap on the table – place it a little distance away, to draw them off your dinner party rather than into it!)
There are also fake “decoy nests” that claim to scare wasps off – as they’re territorial insects, the idea is that they won’t set up shop if they think another colony is nearby. Results vary, but some customers swear by them.
5. Stay calm and don’t flap
This is the big one. If a wasp lands on your plate or buzzes your glass, your natural instinct might be to flap your hands around like you’re signalling an emergency helicopter. Unfortunately, wasps interpret frantic waving as aggression, and that’s when stings happen. Stay still, let them investigate, and they’ll usually lose interest.
6. Be mindful of the nest
If you notice unusually high wasp activity around your home or garden, it might mean there’s a nest nearby. Nests can be tucked away in lofts, sheds, wall cavities, or even in the ground. If you think you’ve got one, don’t tackle it yourself – wasps will defend their home aggressively. That’s when it’s time to call in the professionals (like us).
Final thought
A few wasps are just part of the Cornish summer – as inevitable as seagulls eyeing up your chips. But with a bit of preparation, you can still enjoy your cream tea in peace. (Jam first, of course.)
If wasps are becoming more than a nuisance and you suspect a nest near your home, give us a call. We’ll deal with the problem swiftly, safely, and let you get back to enjoying the sunshine without the sting.