Households across the UK are being urged to follow a '9pm rule' this summer to keep wasps away from their gardens. The advice comes from pest experts who say that clearing away food scraps and sugary drinks after eating can significantly reduce wasp activity.
What is the '9pm rule'?
Glen Peskett at Saxton Blades Multi Tools explains that wasps are more interested in leftover food than in people. He warns that sugary drinks, empty cans, food scraps, and sticky spills are key attractants. The '9pm rule' involves spending a couple of minutes clearing away anything that might attract wasps after finishing a meal.
"People often think wasps are just out to spoil a barbecue, but they're really just looking for an easy meal," says Glen. "I call it the '9pm rule' because it's usually around the point where everyone's finished eating, but the plates, cans and glasses are still sitting outside. Spending a couple of minutes clearing everything away before you relax can make your night way more relaxing knowing you can keep wasps away."
How to follow the '9pm rule'
Before settling in for the rest of the evening, take a couple of minutes to:
- Bring sugary drinks indoors or keep them covered.
- Clear away empty cans, bottles and food packaging.
- Wipe down outdoor tables to get rid of sticky drink rings and food crumbs.
- Put leftover food away instead of leaving it on the table.
- Make sure outdoor bins and recycling containers are properly closed.
Glen notes that while the hack won't stop every wasp, especially if there is a nest nearby, it can make outdoor spaces much less appealing by removing the food sources they seek. "It's easy to think you need expensive sprays or gadgets, but good habits often make the biggest difference," he adds. "If there isn't an easy food source waiting for them, wasps are much more likely to move on somewhere else."
