With warmer weather on the way, wasps are likely scoping out your home in search of places to build nests. Whilst most people associate wasps with summer barbecues and bins, early spring is actually when they’re at their most opportunistic, quietly settling into properties whilst people still keep windows closed and lofts untouched.
In the spring months, wasps begin scouting for quiet, undisturbed corners of homes to build their nests, from lofts and wall cavities to boiler cupboards and spare rooms. Once they have built a nest, wasps can be tricky to get rid of – and very unwelcome house guests. Luckily, there’s a cheap and easy way to get rid of wasps before they establish themselves in your home.
Chris Hutton, storage expert and owner of Adam’s SelfStore, recommends using used coffee grounds as a natural, no-cost deterrent.
“Wasps have a surprisingly strong sense of smell,” he said.
“They rely heavily on scent to identify potential nesting areas, and they’re incredibly sensitive to certain odours, coffee being one of them.
“The smell released by smouldering coffee grounds overwhelms their senses and makes an area feel unsafe or unsuitable to settle in.
“They’re non-toxic, safe around pets, and don’t involve filling your home with strong chemicals.”
If you want to try this method for yourself, then make sure you collect the coffee grounds from your morning brew and let them dry out completely.
Place a spoonful in a fireproof container, something like an old metal dish, ceramic ramekin or ashtray works well.
Carefully light the grounds with a match or lighter and let them smoulder like incense.
The slow burn releases a strong, smoky aroma that wasps find overwhelming.
For best results, use the deterrent in areas where wasps might enter or explore: loft spaces, window sills, attic hatches, near extractor fans, or even the corners of quiet rooms.
This method also works in outdoor spaces too, so if you’re planning a family BBQ and find yourself making some buzzing friends, bring the coffee grounds outside and burn them around your table.
Carefully light the grounds with a match or lighter and let them smoulder like incense.
The slow burn releases a strong, smoky aroma that wasps find overwhelming.
For best results, use the deterrent in areas where wasps might enter or explore: loft spaces, window sills, attic hatches, near extractor fans, or even the corners of quiet rooms.
This method also works in outdoor spaces too, so if you’re planning a family BBQ and find yourself making some buzzing friends, bring the coffee grounds outside and burn them around your table.