Shea Simmons
Sure, no one wants flies at the family barbecue, but there are the worse pests. Wasps are one of them.
Thankfully, there might just be a simple, affordable hack for warding away wasps. All you need is a glass jar, some pennies, and water.
Chris Bonnett, the founder of Gardening Express, said pennies can be an easy solution to wasps that want a shot at your juicy burgers. According to Bonnett, the sun’s reflection on the pennies’ surfaces confuse the pests, keeping them away from both you and your freshly grilled, summer barbecue.
Simply fill a small glass (like a mason jar) with water, drop in three pennies, and set it on your table. The reflection should do the rest.
While this is a simple, affordable hack, it’s important to note that there are currently no scientific studies to back up its effectiveness. The vast majority of evidence is anecdotal. However, if you have spare change, this is a simple, easy hack to test.
Those looking for more reliable methods could consider combining the penny trick with a spearmint essential oil mixture. The scent has been shown to repel the insect. You can also stick cloves into a lemon and set it on your table. Both of these methods have research that showcases varying levels of effectiveness.
If you plan to host a few summer barbecues, go ahead and grab your spare change. The wasp-deterring hack is worth a shot. However, you might want to stock up on cloves and essential oils as well.
