With summer just around the corner, many of us will be ready to welcome the warmer weather by being outside more and having the windows open in our homes.
But while higher temperatures are good news for a lot of people, it means that pests such as wasps and hornets are more likely to appear.
Wasps are most active in the peak summer months when the temperatures are at their highest, usually between June and August.
However, keeping them away from your home doesn't always require harsh chemicals, as there's a simple way to do it that's completely safe for around the house.
The Express reports that rather than resorting to chemicals, experts at HomeServe suggested using a natural solution made from household products to banish the pests.
They said: “To deal with wasps and hornets, you can use a solution – which doesn’t rely on harmful chemicals – of washing up liquid and water.
“Spraying this on the pests will effectively suffocate them and can either be sprayed directly on them or in the nest.
“Other tactics include keeping the doors/windows shut when possible, keeping rubbish away from entry points as this can attract them, and filling any holes in the walls.”
Wasps have a strong sense of smell, and certain scents of herbs and essential oils are highly repellent for them.
They dislike like peppermint, spearmint, basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, thyme, citronella, bay leaves and lemongrass.
Wasps can also be drawn away by vinegar, cinnamon, coffee grounds and cucumber.
If the wasps cannot be successfully repelled, homeowners may need to call in an expert to find the root of the issue.
Specialised staff will have the right equipment and training to help get homes pest-free and will advise on how to stop the problem from happening again.
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