FoodSimple trick with coffee can keep pesky wasps at bay

Simple trick with coffee can keep pesky wasps at bay

They are very intrusive and easy to swallow. Restaurateurs have their tricks to deter wasps.
They are very intrusive and easy to swallow. Restaurateurs have their tricks to deter wasps.
Images source: © Adobe Stock | Leoniek van der Vliet

7 August 2024 16:46, updated: 8 August 2024 08:28

Summer is a time for relaxation and gatherings with friends and family. Unfortunately, we are often joined by uninvited guests – wasps. Their presence can spoil the joy of spending time outdoors. Thankfully, there is a simple and effective way to repel these insects that restaurateurs have used for years.

Sweet smells, food scraps, and drinks attract wasps, which is why they eagerly visit our tables during picnics, barbecues, and meals in restaurant gardens. Their presence is not only annoying but can also be dangerous, especially for those with allergies.

Coffee – a natural way to repel wasps

It turns out that a simple and accessible product—ground coffee—can be an effective way to repel wasps. The intense aroma of coffee deters these insects while masking other scents that could attract them.

How does this trick work?

Wasps have a very well-developed sense of smell. The scent of burning coffee is so intense and unpleasant for them that they prefer to stay away from it. The smoke from burning coffee creates a scent barrier that repels wasps.

How to use coffee to repel wasps?

  1. Just a few teaspoons of freshly ground coffee are enough.
  2. Place the coffee on a plate or saucer and light it with a match or lighter. The coffee should smoulder and emit smoke.
  3. Position the smouldering coffee in the area where you want to keep wasps away. This could be a table where you eat, near a bin, or anywhere that attracts wasps.

Additional tips:

  • Regular renewal: To ensure continuous protection, occasionally add another portion of coffee.
  • Combining with other methods: For even better results, you can combine burning coffee with other wasp-repelling methods, such as using plants with intense aromas (mint, basil, lavender).
  • Safety: Be careful when burning coffee. Do not leave the smouldering coffee unattended; keep it away from flammable materials.

Thanks to this simple trick of burning ground coffee, you can effectively repel wasps and enjoy outdoor meals without interruption. This method is not only effective but also natural and harmless. Just a few teaspoons of coffee, a plate, and a lighter create an aromatic barrier protecting you from pesky insects. Summer outdoor meals can be calm and pleasant if you use this proven method. Enjoy every moment spent outdoors without worrying about wasps!

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