Keep wasps away in August with 28p item, expert says

With temperatures topping 20°C across much of the UK, many households are enjoying open windows and doors to let in the summer breeze. But with the warmer weather comes a familiar nuisance. But, cleaning expert Nancy Emery from Tap Warehouse has revealed a simple, low-cost trick to keep them at bay, and it costs as little as 28p.

The secret is a humble lemon. Emery said that placing a sliced lemon near an open window or door can deter wasps, as the strong citrus scent disorients them and makes the space far less inviting. With lemons selling for around 28p in supermarkets such as Asda, it's one of the cheapest and most effective deterrents available.

Of course, there's more to a wasp-free kitchen than citrus alone.

Emery advised keeping food and sweet smells under control, since wasps are strongly attracted to sugar. Fruit bowls should be covered, cakes and pastries stored in airtight containers, and sticky jars or bottles rinsed before going into the recycling.

Kitchens should also be wiped down promptly after preparing meals, particularly when using strong-smelling ingredients, to prevent scents from lingering and drawing insects inside.

She also said that wasps seek water in hot weather, so it's important to clean up spills quickly and avoid leaving pet bowls or damp cloths near open windows.

Plants and flowers, another attraction for wasps, are best kept away from doors and entry points, while mesh screens can be fitted to windows to allow airflow without the risk of buzzing intruders.

Emery warns that the issue goes beyond irritation.

"A messy kitchen in summer is unfortunately going to be a magnet for pesky bugs like wasps and flies," she said.

"Wasps in particular can carry bacteria and other pathogens from sources such as garbage, animal waste, and carcasses, which they can then transfer to your food."

With the combination of a clean kitchen and a strategically placed slice of lemon, however, households can enjoy the warm weather without the unwelcome company of wasps.