Repel wasps? Expert reveals how to get rid of the bugs this summer

Dr. Amir Khan has shared his best tips for avoiding pesky wasps in hot weather this summer.

The beloved GP appeared via video call from his practice in Bradford this morning on ITV’s Lorraine, along with Dr Hilary, who was in the studio.

As Glasgow presenter Lorraine Kelly revealed that she can’t stand wasps, Dr Amir defended them and listed their benefits and purpose within the ecosystem.

However, he admitted that wasp stings can be painful, and apart from the sting, the bugs can be a nuisance.

The GP revealed his top tips for keeping wasps away from you while enjoying the summer sun outside – and reducing your chance of getting stung.

Referring to the bugs as “terrible little things,” 63-year-old Lorraine told Amir she loved bees but thought wasps were just “bad.”

The GP replied, ‘No Lorraine! Wasps have a bad reputation, but it is important to know that they are important pollinators for our plants and flowers.’

He added that their predatory nature means they can control numbers of smaller insects such as greenflies.

“They’re not all bad,” he said, before adding, “They only sting as a defense mechanism.”

He then revealed the first of his tips for avoiding being stung by a wasp, which was very simple so as not to annoy them.

“You’re not winning that fight,” he warned.

Dr. Amir’s second piece of advice was to be mindful of your summer outfits, paying attention to the colors that wasps prefer, such as “bright” shades.

He explained, “White and yellow, they’ll find you sooner.

“If you’re wearing dark colors, blue and black, they’re less likely to find you.”

While talking to Lorraine from his surgery, he gestured to his own burgundy scrub and Dr. Amir said, “I’m wearing red today, because wasps can’t actually see red.” So this part of me will be invisible to wasps.”

For the picnickers watching the clip, he advised them to think about the ingredients they put in their picnic baskets, and encouraged them to think about one snack in particular.

“They don’t like cucumber,” he explained, holding one up for the camera as he later pointed to the outside.

“This skin tastes bitter and sour to them.”

While people dress to the nines in their best summer outfits, he also encouraged them to pay attention to their perfume and aftershave — especially more floral scents.

In his final piece of advice, Dr. Amir shared a slightly unusual trick.

He explained that the smell of copper repels wasps and recommended rubbing copper coins on your skin before going outside.