TV doctor Dr Amir Khan has shared an "incredibly clever" method to keep wasps away from food during outdoor dining. The NHS GP, known for his appearances on ITV shows like Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, offered the tip on the No Appointment Necessary podcast.
Place sweet treats away from your eating area
When co-presenter Cherry Healey asked how to stop wasps from hovering around dinner and ruining an al fresco situation, Dr Khan suggested placing a small amount of food away from where you are eating. He explained that wasps are attracted to sweet things, so if you're having cheese and crackers, they are less likely to bother you. But if there is honey or jam, put a little of it at a distance, and the wasps will go there instead.
Cherry Healey responded: "That's incredibly clever."
Why wasps are attracted to sweet foods
Pest control experts often highlight that wasps love sweet things. Sykes Pest Control's website states wasps are "attracted to sweet fruits and vegetables" and also to "any type of sweet food, including items such as candy, cake, pies, or even syrup." The Yorkshire firm advises covering sweet food during picnics or barbecues.
Maidenhead Pest Control notes: "Open a can of fizzy drink or take out food into the garden and you’re about to be buzzed repeatedly by other hungry wasps." The Green Gardener website says wasps are attracted to ripe or rotten fruit, pet food, or open food disposal bins. It also suggests checking for holes or gaps in your property and planting aromatic herbs like wormwood, thyme, citronella, spearmint, or eucalyptus as a deterrent.
What to do if you get stung
Dr Khan also gave advice on handling bee and wasp stings. For those with a known severe allergic reaction, he emphasised using an EpiPen and seeking medical help immediately. For bee stings, he advised pulling out the stinger if possible, washing the wound, and using antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream, and pain relief. He warned to seek medical help if swelling becomes severe.
For wasp stings, he said to wash the area with cool water and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed, along with hydrocortisone cream.
