Parents are being urged to check their garden play equipment for wasps, spiders, and other insects before letting children play, as hot weather drives pests into cool, dark hiding places.
With temperatures forecast in the high 30s across much of the country, experts at toy company Outdoorplay warn that playhouses, climbing frames, and trampolines can become havens for insects during warm spells, particularly if they haven't been used for a few days.
Five-minute check advised
Alex McMullan, product designer at Outdoortoys, said: "Garden play equipment can provide the perfect hiding place for wasps, spiders and other insects during warm weather, particularly if it hasn't been used for a few days."
He advised: "Before children climb into playhouses or onto climbing frames, take a moment to check underneath platforms, inside tunnels, around roofs and in any hollow sections where insects may have settled. It's a quick five-minute check that could save a lot of screaming later."
Heat can damage equipment
While checking for bugs, parents should also inspect equipment for heat damage. McMullan noted that extreme heat can soften certain plastics, causing parts to warp, weaken, or become brittle as they cool. He recommended inspecting climbing frames, slides, and steps during heatwaves to ensure nothing has shifted, cracked, or become loose.
Trampolines are also affected by hot weather. Extended dry conditions can cause the ground to harden and shrink, reducing the stability of anchors securing trampolines, football goals, and larger climbing frames.
Trampoline safety tips
McMullan advised: "Parents should regularly check that anchor points remain firmly in place and re-secure them if the ground has become loose or cracked."
Heat can also make trampoline mats and springs more elastic, affecting how high children bounce. McMullan said: "While the difference might seem small, it can affect how high children bounce and increase the chance of awkward landings. It's a good reminder to stick to one jumper at a time and always supervise trampoline play."
