There’s nothing quite like dining outdoors during the British summertime. Whether it’s a leisurely family brunch beneath a parasol or a lively weekend BBQ with friends, your garden becomes an elegant and relaxing outdoor dining room.
But there’s one party crasher that always seems to arrive uninvited: wasps. These persistent, buzzing insects can turn a delightful afternoon into a painfully memorable experience — quite literally.
Wasp stings in the UK are not uncommon. And although most stings are not life-threatening, they can still be excruciating — and even dangerous for those with allergies.
The British Pest Control Association explained in an article for The Express that wasp stings are “designed to make you feel as if you’ve been hurt by something far larger than the insect itself”, and they compare it to being attacked by a bear or feeling like you’re on fire.
Worse still, wasps don’t die after stinging — you may be targeted multiple times, and their stings can trigger repeat assaults from other colony members.
Why Are Wasp Stings So Painful?
Wasp venom is a potent mix of enzymes, peptides, and compounds that damage cells, trigger pain, and cause inflammation — resulting in a sharp sting, swelling, and lingering discomfort.
Wasps are also highly social and territorial. A nest can contain thousands, and if threatened, they release pheromones to coordinate an aggressive defence. While a sting may seem minor, it can lead to intense pain — or, in some cases, a serious allergic reaction.
So, how can we enjoy peaceful, stylish garden dining without fear of wasps?
With some strategic planning and expert tips from the Lazy Magazine team — from choosing metal over wooden furniture to natural repellents — we can help you create a space that’s both elegant and wasp-resistant.
Why Are Wasps Attracted to Outdoor Dining Areas?
In the UK, wasps are most active from July to early September, especially during warm spells after rain, common at this time of year. While they play a helpful role in pollinating flowers, their increased numbers and persistent foraging can quickly become a nuisance — especially during peak outdoor dining season.
As summer progresses, wasps shift from feeding their young to seeking sugary and protein-rich foods. This makes garden tables irresistible, especially when covered with fruit juices, soft drinks, cakes, jams, and barbecued meats. Even sticky sauce spills or leftover crumbs can attract them.
Beyond food, certain garden features also lure wasps — like bins, compost heaps, overripe fruit, and bright colours. Floral prints, citrus tones, and strong scents from body lotions, perfumes, or table candles can all be mistaken for nectar sources.
How to keep wasps away when eating outdoors UK
Understanding what brings wasps and other insects to your outdoor furniture is the first step in keeping them at bay.
A thoughtfully positioned dining area, regular cleaning routines, and the use of subtle deterrents can all help create a low-profile, uninviting space for wasps, while still being a welcoming, elegant setting for family and friends.
To help you enjoy every outdoor meal in peace, we’ve put together our top eight expert-approved strategies to keep wasps away when eating outdoors — simple, effective tips that can make a big difference to your garden dining table experience:
1. Set Up Garden Furniture in a Smart Spot
Start with your setup. The placement of your patio dining area can influence how many wasps you attract:
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Avoid
Stay clear of areas near bins, compost heaps, or overhanging fruit trees. Wasps love fermenting fruit and sweet waste. -
Position
Keep your dining area away from flowerbeds, especially those with bright, fragrant blooms like lavender or honeysuckle, which attract insects. -
Invest
Purchase a sturdy table with clean, wipeable surfaces. Our cast aluminium range is an excellent choice here — it’s low maintenance, weatherproof, and easy to keep clean, leaving fewer traces of sugary spills or food residue.
2. Cover Everything: Food, Drinks, and Leftovers
The simplest solution is often the best, so prevention is key when dining outdoors:
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Cover
Use food cloche covers, domes, or mesh tents to protect dishes while serving. -
Seal
Keep drink bottles sealed or use lids and straws to avoid attracting wasps. -
Store
Serve food in stages, keeping most items behind closed doors until you’re ready to serve.
Lazy Magazine Tip: A stylish and practical solution is to pair your garden dining set with a matching side table or serving trolley. Not only does this elevate the overall look of your outdoor space, but it also keeps food safely out of the way, allowing you to cover dishes and keep them protected until you're ready to serve at the main patio table.
3. Create a Decoy Feeding Station for Pesky Wasps (It Works!)
One clever trick that often works surprisingly well is setting up a decoy food source to draw wasps away from where you're dining:
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Place a small plate or bowl of sweet fruit or diluted jam away from your dining area to act as a wasp decoy.
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Position it 5 to 10 metres from your table — far enough to avoid drawing them in, but close enough to distract them.
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Set it out 15 to 20 minutes before eating, so wasps find it first and are less likely to swarm your main dining space.
Wasps will often choose the easier, more enticing food source, leaving your patio table undisturbed.
4. Use Natural Repellents Wasps Hate
There’s a lot of myth around natural insect and wasp repellents, but some methods genuinely work. Here are a few of our expert-approved natural repellents for UK gardens:
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Essential Oils
Mix clove, eucalyptus, or lemon oil with water and spray it on table legs, the underside of chairs, or parasols. The scent repels wasps but smells fresh to us. -
Burning Coffee Grounds
Dry used coffee grounds and then burn them in a fireproof dish to release a wasp-repelling smoke that naturally keeps them at bay. -
Cucumber Peel
Scatter cucumber slices or peels around your table or in planters — wasps dislike the scent and will avoid the area. -
Citronella Candles
Place citronella candles in lanterns around your dining area to repel flying insects while adding a soft, ambient glow. -
Decoys
Hang a fake wasp nest nearby early in the season. Wasps avoid nesting near others, making this a simple, natural deterrent.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Use citronella candles, essential oils, or coffee grounds in elegant holders that match your décor — like brushed bronze or muted ceramics. They repel wasps while adding charm to your patio.
5. Stay Calm and Dress Smart
Even the most prepared of outdoor hosts can attract wasps if they’re not careful. Wasps are less interested in attacking humans than they are in your food — but they will defend themselves if provoked:
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Stay Calm
Avoid swatting or waving — sudden movements make you seem threatening. Stay still, and wasps are more likely to leave you alone. -
Dress Smart
Wear light, neutral colours. Wasps are attracted to bright patterns and floral prints that resemble flowers. -
Skip the Scents
Avoid perfumes or scented lotions. Sweet, floral fragrances can attract wasps searching for sugar. -
Set the Tone
Create a calm vibe with comfy seating. When guests feel relaxed, they’re less likely to panic if a wasp shows up. -
Coordinate Comfortably
Choose breathable, muted fabrics that keep you cool and blend with your décor — helping deter wasps subtly and stylishly.
6. Clean Furniture and Surfaces After Every Meal to Stop Wasps
Wasps are excellent at finding even the tiniest trace of sugar. Regular cleaning will help deter them.
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Wash
Wipe down garden tables, chairs, and armrests after meals with warm soapy water. -
Check
Check beneath chair arms and table legs for food scraps, sticky spills or hidden food residue. -
Rinse
Rinse glasses and plates immediately rather than leaving them outside.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Cast aluminium furniture is low-maintenance — unlike plastic or wooden furniture it wipes clean easily without staining or damage and dries quickly.
7. Enclose Your Dining Area with Style
A good parasol or gazebo does more than provide shade — it also helps keep wasps away.
Gazebos and pergolas with flowing outdoor curtains or slatted screens create a subtle extra barrier that makes your dining area less accessible to pests while preserving the open-air feel. This added protection is especially useful during peak wasp season.
Lazy Magazine Tip: For a polished look, choose parasols that complement your garden furniture. Our designs pair perfectly with cast aluminium dining sets, adding elegance while keeping guests cool and pests at bay.
8. Check for Nests (and Call the Pros to Get Rid of Wasps)
If you’re seeing a lot of wasps despite precautions, there may be a nest nearby. They are territorial and often return to the same area for nest building.
Look for them flying in and out of holes in sheds, walls, decking, or trees. Late summer nests are commonly found in lofts, fence panels, and eaves.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Never try to remove a nest yourself — disturbing it can provoke an aggressive response. Instead, call a professional pest control service. Once removed, activity usually drops significantly, letting you enjoy your garden again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop wasps and keep them away when eating outdoors in the UK?
Food covers are a worthwhile investment, avoid sugary spills, create a decoy feeding station, and deter wasps with natural repellents like clove oil and coffee smoke. Clean furniture thoroughly after meals.
What smells do wasps hate in UK gardens?
Clove, eucalyptus, citronella, and cucumber are all disliked by wasps. These natural scents can help keep them away.
Does burning coffee keep wasps away?
Yes, the smoke from burning used coffee grounds is unpleasant to wasps and can help deter them during meals.
Can peppermint oil keep wasps away from patio furniture?
Yes — peppermint oil is a natural wasp repellent; just mix it with water in a spray bottle and spray it on or around your patio furniture to help deter them.
What plants attract wasps?
Wasps are attracted to flowering plants that provide nectar, such as ivy, buddleia, and fruit trees.
When are wasps worst in the UK?
Late July to early September is peak wasp season in the UK, especially during sunny, still weather.
Can wasps cause structural damage to garden furniture?
Wasps don’t cause structural damage to garden furniture, but may build nests nearby, so it’s best to check and manage any infestations early.
Is cast aluminium garden furniture better for repelling wasps?
Yes — its smooth surface makes it easy to clean, leaving fewer food traces that might attract wasps.
Our final Thoughts: Enjoy Wasp-Free Outdoor Dining This Summer
Al fresco dining should be one of the true pleasures of summer — not a stressful game of dodging pests — so it’s important to create outdoor areas that help discourage wasps.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning coffee or hosting a weekend BBQ, your outdoor space should be inviting, comfortable, and peaceful. By choosing the right garden furniture, positioning your dining area thoughtfully, and using natural deterrents, you can create a garden haven that keeps wasps at bay while eating outdoors in the UK.
It’s not just about keeping pests away — it’s about crafting a space where you and your guests can relax, enjoy great food, and make the most of the season without interruptions.
At the heart of this calm, stylish setting is your furniture. Our cast aluminium garden dining sets combine durability with timeless design, built to withstand British weather, wipe clean easily, and elevate any patio or lawn. Perfect for those who value both comfort and craftsmanship.
Explore Our Cast Aluminium Garden Dining Sets
Weatherproof, elegant, and easy to maintain, our outdoor furniture collection is perfect for a stylish, wasp-free garden dining experience this summer — and we’d love to see how you create your own beautiful outdoor space full of comfort and style.
Share your garden table moments with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture and support our Do Some Good campaign with your photos of beautifully styled tables. Let’s celebrate the joy of dining alfresco together and inspire others to bring the garden to the table!
