How can you keep wasps away?

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**Amber Minogue** (1:04)
How can you keep wasps away?
Thanks for asking.
They buzz around your fruit salad, hover over your barbecue, and seem to think the edge of the pool is their hangout. Every summer, it's the same story. Wasps turning your outdoor bliss into a swatting frenzy. But it doesn't have to be this way. There are ways to keep them at bay. Without blasting them with insecticide. Exactly. There are gentler and smarter ways to make them buzz off.
Essential oils are a great place to start. Scents like lemongrass, cloves and lavender are natural wasp deterrents. You can get creative with cloves, stick them into a lemon, crush a few into a dish or even poke them into an orange if that's what you've got lying around. The smell alone is enough to make wasps think twice.
What about when you're having a barbecue? Try grilling a clove of garlic or onion. Wasps can't stand the smell. Another trick is to give them a distraction. Set out a little piece of meat away from your dining area. That way, they stay busy and away from your plate. Is there an even easier solution? There is. Coffee grounds might be your new best friend as they are an effective natural repellent.
After your morning brew, scoop out the grounds and leave them in a bowl outside. Once they're dry, you can burn them. The smoke keeps the wasps at bay. Incense works too, if you have any at hand. But aren't we supposed to protect wasps?
Absolutely. The goal isn't to harm them. It's to learn how to live alongside them without conflict. Wasps are actually vital for the ecosystem, and using traps or anything that might kill them does more harm than good. The thing is, most of us fear wasps because of their sting. But not all species sting, and the fear often comes from a lack of understanding. According to entomologist Eric Derouzette from the University of Tours, wasps are simply misunderstood. Unlike bees, which get a lot of positive attention and public education, wasps haven't had the same PR. They're often ignored, even though their behaviour, their social systems and their roles in nature are just as complex and as fascinating. So don't declare war on wasps, just nudge them in a different direction. Respect their place in the ecosystem, and they might just return the favour. There you have it.
Now you know how to keep wasps away. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along, and you really will know for sure.