Wasps can be a real nuisance in summer, but there are some simple and natural methods to help keep them away from your home. To stop them taking over, you just need to place a kitchen item in the gardenKatie-Ann Gupwell12:08, 06 Jul 2026Updated 12:37, 06 Jul 2026Nobody wants wasps invading their home, and the problem can be tackled by placing a key item in your garden. You may not realise it, but there are certain things most of us already have lying around the house that can help deter wasps, and keeping them at bay is far simpler than you might think.‌It's well known that the issue tends to worsen at this time of year, as the pests become increasingly bothersome and find their way into our homes during months like July when the warmer weather arrives. Fortunately, there's a straightforward hack you can use to keep them out, and all it requires is one basic kitchen item placed in your garden.‌This isn't the only advice of its kind to have been shared. Previously, tips were also revealed on how to stop wasps from nesting outside your home altogether.‌Gardening guru Ish, known as Gardening with Ish on Instagram, previously shared some refreshingly straightforward guidance, offering up some easy techniques to help ward off wasps.He laid out everything people need to know in a short video. His tips are well worth paying attention to if you're serious about keeping wasps away from your property.What you need to knowAccording to Ish, there are several natural approaches you can take to repel wasps. One particular method, however, stands out as being especially simple and highly effective.‌He said: "We're going to start off with smells that wasps absolutely detest, and this is more the citrus and acidic smells. They don't like it whatsoever."So, you can make your own homemade repellents with citrus peel or even grapefruit peel too, and they will stay away from it. Or, you can make your own spray using some vinegar and water because they don't like the smell of vinegar either."By using those, it should keep them away."‌Content cannot be displayed without consentBut it's not just acidic scents - they're also put off by things like used coffee grounds or the aroma of peppermint. He suggested positioning these items around the garden should also help repel them if you don't have any citrus peel available. That said, citrus remains one of the most widely recommended deterrents.How does it work?You might not realise, but citrus peels can be deployed to ward off wasps. This works because the powerful, sharp scent of lemons, oranges and limes contains natural oils that interfere with a wasp's scent receptors, making it harder for them to locate food or find their way around.‌To put this trick into practice, scatter fresh or dried peels straight onto windowsills, beside doorways or around outdoor dining spots to ensure they keep their distance. Positioning them throughout your garden could also prove effective.If you'd prefer to create a spray, you could boil citrus peels in water for 15 to 20 minutes. Afterwards, let the mixture cool down, strain the liquid and transfer it into a spray bottle.You can then apply it to table legs, underneath garden furniture or close to entry points. That said, it's worth noting this approach isn't completely guaranteed to work.Article continues belowSpecialists suggest the impact can be limited to specific areas, and peels and sprays must be reapplied regularly to keep working effectively. Nevertheless, it's an approach that's recognised as producing excellent results when carried out correctly.