They are one of the little annoyances about the summer time - but there is a quick, easy and harmless way to get rid of wasps in your garden according to pest experts.

While wasps are important pollinators and a key part of the ecosystem, it doesn’t necessarily mean you want them buzzing around your head while you’re trying to enjoy dinner on the patio or a sunbathe on your decking. That’s why, if you’re planning on spending some time outside and you want some relief from the little black and yellow bugs, you can use a natural repellent that won’t harm them but will keep them away from you and your garden for a bit, according to pest experts.

Apparently, if you put fruits like pears or mango or sugary fizzy drinks out in your garden, these act as a sort of lightning rod for wasps, drawing them away from where you are and over to a safe place out of your way.

The ‘bait’ can be placed around a 10ft-20ft space in the harmless area that you want them to buzz around, which in turn will keep them away from where you are.

Pest Exterminator website Eliminate Solutions says: “Wasps are attracted to sweet products. You can use soda pop (7 Up, Sprite, Maintain Dew) or ripe and sweet fruits (pear or mango) as bait to detour the wasps elsewhere. Place the fruits in an un-waxed paper bag with the top open. If you use soda pop, place the soda pop in a cup. Leave the baits at the area around 10-20 feet from which you want to keep the wasps away. The sugary fragrance will attract the wasps.”

This is the best option for keeping wasps at bay because it doesn’t harm them, but will keep them away from you while you’re outside. 

The other option is to use a natural repellent, such as citronella oil.

It adds: “Citronella oil comes from the lemongrass plant, which is native to Southeast Asia and India. It’s used in a number of beauty products, including soaps, lotions and candles. It also works as a natural insect repellent against ants and other flying insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks. Some people also rub it on their skin to keep away flies when they’re outside in the sun.

“Burning citronella candles to infuse the outdoor area [will also] keep wasps away.”