As summer temperatures rise, householders are being urged to insect-proof their properties before opening windows and doors to stay cool. A simple, inexpensive household item—white vinegar—can help keep wasps, mosquitoes, and other insects at bay.
Mike Rondas, General Manager at Wasp-Eze, said: "With temperatures soaring across the UK, many people will be opening their windows and doors to let in fresh air, but they're also making it easier for insects to get inside. Hot weather creates ideal conditions for biting and stinging insects. Taking simple precautions can make your home less attractive to insects."
White Vinegar as a Natural Repellent
Rondas recommends mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and applying it around window frames, sills, corners, and doorways. The scent naturally repels common insects. Adding essential oils like peppermint or lavender can provide extra protection and leave a fresh scent.
A 568ml bottle of white vinegar costs just 35p at Tesco, while a 1-litre bottle is 57p at Asda, making it an affordable solution for households.
Fresh Herbs Offer Additional Protection
Rondas also suggests using fresh herbs as natural insect repellents. Pots of basil, mint, rosemary, and lavender placed on windowsills, doorways, or window boxes can help deter insects. These herbs serve a dual purpose: they are useful for cooking and act as living repellents.
Keep the Kitchen Clean
Maintaining a clean kitchen is another key step. Sugary spills and food waste attract insects. Rondas advises: "Keep surfaces clean, store fresh food in tightly sealed containers and regularly clean bins to make your home less inviting."
Survey Reveals High Incidence of Bites and Stings
Research involving 2,000 UK adults from Wasp-Eze found that over half (56%) have experienced bites or stings in the past 12 months, with nearly one in five (18%) enduring multiple incidents. While gardens and outdoor areas remain typical trouble spots, one in eight (12%) Britons report being more prone to bites inside their homes, and 6% have been attacked while in bed.
Additionally, one in three (33%) Britons believe they are a magnet for insects, claiming they get bitten more frequently than others. Wasps (30%) are the most troublesome summer insect offenders, followed by mosquitoes (29%) and midges (24%).
