The weekend has arrived, and many Brits will be heading out into their gardens to enjoy more summer sunshine. Temperatures have cooled slightly from previous weeks, but much of the nation is set to see warm, sunny spells today and tomorrow.
According to the Met Office, Saturday afternoon will be "fair" and "warm" across the UK, with highs of 23C. Sunday is expected to bring "plenty of sunshine" and high temperatures of 28C.
Wasps and warmer weather
A rise in temperatures can lead to a rise in wasp activity, and experts have shared a handy tip to deter the insects from gardens this weekend. Whether it is a family barbecue or an outdoor meal, wasps have the uncanny ability to detect food and quickly become a nuisance.
According to Lazy Susan Furniture, cucumber peels are an effective deterrent against wasps. The insects reportedly dislike the scent and will stay away from any area where the peels are present.
Why cucumber peels work
The website states: "Scatter cucumber slices or peels around your table or in planters — wasps dislike the scent and will avoid the area."
Wasps are thought to dislike the smell of cucumber peels because they contain high levels of cucurbitacins, which produce a sharp, bitter scent. The natural acids and organic compounds in the skin may also mask attractive food smells and irritate a wasp's senses, making them less likely to linger where people are eating or socialising.
How to use the method
The method is simple and involves scattering a few fresh peels around the patio, garden table, or wherever wasps usually congregate. The insects typically buzz around areas where people are dining and drinking outdoors.
Some people choose to put the peels on aluminum foil because they believe this intensifies the sour smell. This method is popular among those having a particularly bad wasp problem in their garden.
Other natural repellents
Lazy Susan Furniture also advises burning used coffee grounds to keep wasps away during meals. Peppermint oil is another popular repellent, with people advised to mix it with water in a spray bottle and spray it on or around patio furniture to help deter the wasps.
