As the UK continues to bask in warm weather, many Brits are making the most of the sunshine by spending more time outdoors, with plans to enjoy the pleasant conditions over the weekend. According to the Met Office, Friday is expected to be another sunny day with highs of 22C, feeling warm due to light winds and strong sunshine, along with high UV levels.

The weekend is also forecast to be warm and sunny. However, warmer temperatures bring an unwelcome pest: wasps.

These insects can quickly ruin a barbecue or picnic with their painful stings. They can also pose a serious threat to those with allergies, potentially triggering life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Wasp season began in April, and the prolonged warm weather this year has created ideal conditions for them to thrive. In addition to the risk of painful stings, there is also the risk of infestation.

If wasps decide to build a nest in your home or garden, their numbers can quickly multiply, and removal by pest control professionals can cost up to £200, reports .

However, Josh Novell, a garden specialist at Polhill Garden Centre, recommends a simple and natural solution that can cost as little as 22p - and it's likely already in your kitchen. A four-pack of garlic can be purchased at Aldi for 89p, which works out to 22p per clove.

"Garlic is a surprisingly effective wasp repellent," explains Josh. "Its strong smell overwhelms a wasp's senses and naturally drives them away. It's safe, cheap, and easy to use."

Pest control experts at Eliminate have revealed that wasps have a strong aversion to the scent of garlic, offering homeowners a natural solution to deter these buzzing intruders. The company advises: "You can plant garlic around your home and garden to help repel wasps. You can also crush garlic cloves and place them in areas where wasps are likely to be."

For those keen on gardening, introducing garlic plants is straightforward. Begin by separating a bulb into individual cloves without removing the papery skins.

Plant each clove with the pointy end up and the flat base down, burying them 2.5-5 cm deep and spacing them 15-20 cm apart in well-drained soil. Timing is key; aim for late autumn or early spring planting, depending on your local weather conditions.

• Josh suggests: "Place minced garlic in a small bowl near outdoor seating or food."
• He adds: "Fill a spray bottle with water and 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Then shake well, and spray around patios, doors, and bins."
• "Or, consider growing garlic in garden beds or containers," he also recommends.

While some might consider sweet traps like jam jars or sugary water to entice wasps, Josh cautions against this approach. He notes: "Sweet traps can attract wasps from neighbouring areas, increasing activity rather than reducing it," adding that such methods inadvertently invite more wasps.

Josh also recommends other natural repellents: "Burning coffee grounds is a great wasp deterrent. Just place some dry grounds in a heatproof bowl and light them like incense. Fresh mint or peppermint oil can also work really well."

He suggests using wasps' distaste for certain scents to your advantage by placing fresh mint sprigs on outdoor tables or applying peppermint oil near doorways. Additionally, he stresses the importance of hygiene, such as cleaning spills promptly and covering food and drinks while dining al fresco, to avoid attracting wasps with even a half-empty glass.

Despite their notorious reputation for painful stings and aggressive behaviour, not to mention their tendency to build nests near human dwellings, wasps play a crucial role in our ecosystem. They contribute to pollination and pest control.

If you've been unfortunate enough to be stung by a wasp, there are steps you can take to soothe the pain. Begin by removing the stinger if it's still lodged in your skin.

Cleanse the area with soap and water, then apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling. If possible, elevate the affected area and consider taking over-the-counter painkillers or antihistamines to alleviate itching.