One of the best things about summer is being able to eat outside. Be it barbecuing on the terrace or in the garden or having breakfast on the balcony - we all enjoy the warm rays of sunshine in the morning. If only there weren't some annoying insects... As if the mosquitoes weren't enough, the wasps, who are not at all shy, also bother us and seem to be particularly aggressive. But how can we get rid of them so that we can at least snack on our delicacies in peace? What helps against wasps when eating?
Interesting facts about insects
We all know that insects are attracted to sweet smells. And who can blame them? But few people know that they also eat meat. That's also the reason why they not only target the jam sandwich in the morning, but also disrupt our barbecue evenings. However, their carnivorous nature is also useful because it makes them predators and therefore effective in combatagainst various pestsin the garden. In addition, they also pollinate flowers. So remember that wasps are beneficial insects and make an important contribution to nature before you decide to kill them. This is not legal anyway and a fine may be imposed under certain circumstances.
Why are wasps so aggressive this year?
It seems as if there is a wasp plague in 2022. But is that actually the case? And why are wasps so aggressive this year?
How many of the insects buzz around each year depends primarily on how many queen wasps survive the winter. Changes in the climate and other factors can cause the queens to come out of hiding early and still freeze to death. The more queens ultimately survive and produce offspring, the more populations naturally arise. And this can sometimes cause the insects to behave more aggressively than in other years.
Of course, more populations also mean greater competition when it comes to finding food for themselves and the offspring in their own nest. Especially in August and September, when the search for food is only for themselves and not for the wasp larvae, the adult insects also become more aggressive towards people - they are under pressure and want to get their food. For this reason, it is important that you avoid hectic movements as a deterrent. But it's not just punches that are dangerous. Blowing on them also has a counterproductive effect, because the air they breathe is an alarm signal for them and makes them more aggressive.
So try to take peaceful measures to enjoy your meals outside in peace. What helps against wasps when eating? What smells do wasps dislike and what other tricks can you use?
Odors as wasp protection
Scents are perfect against wasps. For example, incense sticks are a variant that you can use to scare away wasps, but some people don't like the smoke, which is why this tip is not right for everyone. Instead, you could also use a more pleasant smell against wasps. These are:
What deters wasps?
- Citronella against wasps
- Vinegar to quenchor lure away
- dry coffee powder, which glows away
- Clove oil against wasps
- Teebaumöl
- Citrus scents (e.g. lemongrass, lemon oil, orange oil)
If you want to drive away wasps with scent, you can use more than just an aroma lamp or a diffuser, both of which look decorative on the dining table outside. You can also use an anti-wasp candlemake yourself, using any instructions and essential oil. You can find more tips against waspsin this article.
What helps against wasps while eating – spray mist
Instead of blowing, you can try another trick to keep the wasps away from the table: take a spray bottle and rinse it thoroughly. There should be no chemicals or other harmful residues. Then fill the bottle with clean water and spray in the direction of a wasp as soon as you see one. In contrast to breathing air, this does not make the insect aggressive, but rather makes it believe that rain is approaching. They quickly retreat to their nest.
The insects distract with treats
The wasp will be less interested in the food on your table if better treats are waiting for it somewhere. A simple diversionary maneuver is a good help against wasps and will give you the peace of mind you desire. What helps against wasps when eating? With simple grapes you can wonderfully keep wasps away from the terrace. Place them a little out of the way, but keep in mind that this could well attract more wasps that otherwise might not have shown up in the first place.
