Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

With temperatures staying high across the UK, many Brits are spending more time outside, with plans to enjoy the warm weather this weekend. But along with the balmy conditions come a familiar nuisance - wasps. These insects are the last thing anyone wants swarming around their BBQ or picnic.

According to the Met Office, Friday (May 16) will be another sunny day with highs of 22C. "Feeling warm in the light winds and strong sunshine with high UV levels," it adds. The weekend is set to be warm and sunny, too.

Wasp season began in April, and this year's prolonged warm weather has created perfect conditions for them to thrive . Painful stings can quickly ruin a sunny afternoon, and for those with allergies, they can even trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis.

There's also the risk of infestation. If wasps decide to build a nest in your home or garden, their numbers can multiply rapidly, and removal by pest control professionals can cost as much as £200 .

However, Josh Novell, garden specialist at Polhill Garden Centre, says there's a simple, natural solution that could cost as little as 22p, and it's probably already in your kitchen. You can get a four-pack of garlic at Aldi for 89p, which breaks down to 22p per one.

"Garlic is a surprisingly effective wasp repellent," explains Josh. "Its strong smell overwhelms a wasp's senses and naturally drives them away. It's safe, cheap, and easy to use."

According to pest control company Eliminate, wasps indeed do not like the smell of garlic. The organisation says: "You can plant garlic around your home and garden to help repel wasps. You can also crush garlic cloves and place them in areas where wasps are likely to be."

If you want to add garlic plants to your garden, start by separating a garlic bulb into its individual cloves while leaving the papery skins on. Position each clove with the pointed end facing upwards and the flat end downwards, planting them 2.5-5 cm deep and spaced 15-20 cm apart. Choose well-draining soil and aim to plant in late autumn or early spring, based on your local climate.

Three ways to use garlic to repel wasps Josh suggests: "Place minced garlic in a small bowl near outdoor seating or food." He adds: "Fill a spray bottle with water and 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Then shake well, and spray around patios, doors, and bins." "Or, consider growing garlic in garden beds or containers," he also recommends.

Many people's first instinct is to set out a jar of jam or sugary water to lure wasps, but Josh warns this can actually make things worse. "Sweet traps can attract wasps from neighbouring areas, increasing activity rather than reducing it," he explains. "You're unintentionally drawing them in."

Other natural, low-cost ways to keep wasps away

Josh says: "Burning coffee grounds is a great wasp deterrent. Just place some dry grounds in a heatproof bowl and light them like incense. Fresh mint or peppermint oil can also work really well.

"Wasps hate the scent, so place a few mint sprigs on the table or dab peppermint oil around doorframes. And of course, always clean up spills and cover food and drink when eating outside. Even a half-empty glass can quickly draw them in."

Why keep wasps away?

While many people view wasps unfavourably because of their painful stings and aggressive behaviour, as well as their habit of building nests close to human habitats, they serve an important purpose in our ecosystem by aiding in pollination and controlling pests.

If you've been stung by a wasp, to alleviate the pain, start by removing the stinger if it's still in place. Clean the area with soap and water, then use a cold compress or ice pack to help minimise swelling. If you can, elevate the affected area and consider taking some over-the-counter pain relievers or antihistamines to ease itching.