With the Met Office warning of the fifth heatwave this summer, with temperatures reaching 36C in parts of the UK, households are being advised to leave cucumber peels in their gardens to help keep wasps away.
During the hot weather, wasps can become a nuisance, especially when trying to enjoy food and drinks outdoors. While many people resort to sprays and traps, experts recommend a simple hack using food waste that would normally be thrown away.
The cucumber peel trick
It might sound odd, but cucumber peels can help keep wasps at bay. As the insects aren't keen on the smell from the peel, it's a good idea to leave them lying around areas where people are eating and drinking.
Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades Multi Tools says: "Every summer, people seem to have a different trick for keeping wasps away, and cucumber peels are one that comes up quite a lot."
He adds: "The thinking is that wasps aren't too keen on the smell from the peel. It's not going to work miracles, and it won't help much if you've got a nest nearby, but some people find it helps stop wasps hanging around outdoor seating areas quite as much."
How to use cucumber peels
Place a few fresh cucumber peels around your patio, garden table, or wherever wasps usually appear. You should replace them every so often once they start drying out.
The trick is most effective around spots where people are eating and drinking outside during warmer weather.
Other ways to reduce wasps
- Keeping sugary drinks covered when outside
- Clearing away food scraps as soon as possible
- Wiping down outdoor tables after use
- Making sure bins and recycling containers remain closed
- Avoiding leaving sweet foods exposed for long periods
Glen explains: "People often look for quick fixes, but the biggest thing is keeping food, drinks and rubbish under control. That's what usually attracts wasps in the first place. The cucumber peel trick is just a simple extra that some people swear by."
