Wasps may find your garden irresistible this summer, thanks to your outdoor cushions.
Preventing Wasp Nests in Your Garden: Expert Advice from Sophie King and Scott Evans
Sophie King, the newly appointed Gardens Editor, has taken up her post in June 2024. With a passion for various types of vegetables, roses, and dinnerplate dahlias, she is now sharing practical tips to help keep your garden pest-free. One of her recent focuses is on deterring wasps, especially during the hot summer months when their numbers can soar.
According to Sophie, wasps are drawn to soft, undisturbed materials, especially when damp. This makes storage solutions for garden items, such as cushions, a potential target for wasps. In fact, leaving food smells, sugary drinks, or damp cushions in unsealed boxes can attract wasps looking for nesting sites.
To properly store garden cushions and prevent wasp nests, it's essential to make sure cushions are completely dry before storing them. Ideally, store them in airtight bags or sealed containers to keep wasps and other insects out. Avoid leaving cushions in boxes with slightly open lids, as wasp queens can enter through small gaps and establish nests.
Scott Evans, a storage expert from Pink Storage, agrees. He explains that soft materials combined with heat create dream nesting conditions for wasps. Storing garden cushions in airtight liners can help prevent wasp infestation.
It's also important to store cushions indoors, like in a garage or shed, if possible. Otherwise, using weatherproof covers is recommended. Regularly cleaning or vacuuming cushions before storage to remove crumbs, liquids, or odors that could attract wasps or other insects is also advisable.
By following these precautions, you can reduce the likelihood that wasps will find your garden cushions an appealing nesting spot, helping keep your outdoor seating pest-free. However, if you do encounter a wasp nest, always contact a pest control professional to remove it safely.
Sophie King is always on the lookout for the latest garden trends and enjoys sharing growing hacks for various spaces. By following her advice and staying vigilant, you can enjoy a pest-free garden all summer long.
[1] RSPB, "How to deter wasps from your garden", 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/gardening-for-wildlife/how-to-deter-wasps-from-your-garden/
[2] Gardeners' World, "How to prevent wasps from nesting in your garden", 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/howto/how_to_prevent_wasps_from_nesting_in_your_garden
[3] The Guardian, "How to avoid wasps and wasp nests in your garden", 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/garden/2021/jun/14/how-to-avoid-wasps-and-wasp-nests-in-your-garden
Storage solutions for garden items like cushions, a part of one's home-and-garden lifestyle, should be considered carefully to deter wasps. Leaving damp cushions in unsealed boxes may attract wasps seeking nesting sites, so it's essential to store these items in airtight bags or sealed containers. Additionally, regular cleaning or vacuuming of cushions before storage can help remove odors that might attract wasps or other insects.
