How to make wasp deterrent for alfresco dining

Ask me what I'm most scared of, and I'll probably answer (with a shudder) "wasps!!"  I have a full-on phobia, in fact even looking at the picture above is making me sweat.

I loath the nasty little things, and to be honest they almost ruin summer for me, because I love to eat outside.  But whether it's picnics on the beach, lunch in a pub garden; dinner outdoors or even an ice cream from the van, you can bet your life, as soon as there's grub around, wasps will come buzzing. This time of year particularly as all the fruit trees are laden with ripe plums, pears and apples, it means gardens up and down the land are infested with wasps.

I saw this clever trick at a bar while on holiday in France and I thought I'd share it with you.  I've never heard of it before, and by the look of the inquisitive locals, neither had many others.

I love it because it's safe (it won't harm other insects or bees), it's cheap (or free if you re-use), but above all - IT WORKS!

So here it is.

You will need:

A metallic dish - I re-use old baked bean tins or aluminium foil takeaway containers
Coffee grounds - you can dry used grounds so there's no expense or waste

You simply light the coffee grounds and allow to smoulder.  The smoke deters the wasps - I don't know whether there's something specific about coffee they don't like, or whether the smoke masks the scent of your sweet food, but frankly who cares how it works?!?

If you are re-using coffee grounds from your cafetiere etc, make sure they are thoroughly dry or you'll never get them to light.  If you're struggling, try placing a small amount in the bowl of a metal spoon and holding it in the flame of the gas hob, then gently drop into your tin of coffee.  This seems to make it much easier to light and smoulder.

Safety notes: 

Only use on a heatproof, non-flammable surface
Keep out of reach of pets and children
Do not leave unattended
Only use outdoors

Go forth and enjoy the rest of the summer wasp-free!

(thankfully the lovely Jayne at Mum's the Word is both better at graphic design, and less terrified of wasps than me, and made this wonderful image above for me - thank you!)