Outdoor cushions may attract the annoyance of wasp infestations in your backyard this summer season
In the heart of summer, garden enthusiasts like Sophie King are noticing an increase in wasps in their outdoor spaces. Wasps are drawn to soft materials like cushions and furniture, and improper storage can create ideal nesting conditions.
To keep your garden wasp-free, here are some key steps to follow:
- Dry Storage: Ensure cushions and fabric items are completely dry before storage. Dampness attracts wasps looking for nesting spots.
- Airtight Storage: Store cushions inside airtight bags or liners, then place them in sealed boxes or containers. This eliminates easy access for wasps.
- Avoid Humid Conditions: Avoid leaving cushions or furniture stored in humid or unsealed conditions. These create ideal hiding and nesting environments for wasps.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly shake out and inspect cushions, furniture covers, and outdoor toys to check for pests or nests, especially before storage.
- Furniture Covers: When storing furniture outdoors, consider placing furniture covers that fit tightly and do not trap moisture to reduce wasp attraction.
- Good Garden Hygiene: Maintain good garden hygiene by keeping bins sealed and away from main entrances, and covering sugary drinks and food during outdoor activities. These practices help prevent wasps from being attracted and potentially nesting nearby.
For wasp nest removal, it's best to contact a professional like Pest-Stop. By late summer, a wasp nest can have several thousand workers, making DIY removal potentially dangerous.
Sophie King, the Gardens Editor of our platform since June 2024, shares growing hacks for every space, from herbaceous borders to balconies. She is always on the lookout for the latest garden trends.
Scott Evans, a storage expert from Pink Storage, states that storage can provide wasps with a ready-made hideout. Proper storage and sealing of boxes can help prevent wasps from nesting. Patio cushion boxes and garden boxes are among the worst offenders for attracting wasps. A slightly open lid is enough for a queen wasp to move into a storage box.
Following these steps will help you maintain a wasp-free garden, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without interruptions. For more gardening tips and advice, subscribe to Scott Evans' newsletter, where you'll find style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice, and more.
- To minimize attracting wasps in your home-and-garden, consider implementing proper storage solutions for items like patio cushions, ensuring they are stored airtight, dry, and away from humid conditions.
- By maintaining good lifestyle habits in your home-and-garden, such as regularly inspecting storage areas, covering sugary drinks, and practicing good garden hygiene, you can create an inhospitable environment for wasps and enjoy a peaceful outdoor space.
