UK households urged to burn egg cartons in gardens

There is a rather unusual thing that UK households can do to keep mosquitoes away this summer. Mosquitoes are quite an annoyance for British gardeners and homeowners in the summer months, especially during a heatwave when we spend more time in our outdoor spaces. If you are sunbathing in the garden, cooking a barbecue or gardening, there are a few things you can do to keep bugs like mosquitoes away from you.

One of those tricks is a rather unusual but it works like a charm, say experts. One expert has advised Brits to burn egg cartons in their gardens this summer. However, you need to make sure you do so safely, as it can lead to a fire breaking out at your property or smoke inhalation. It is best to do it over an outdoor fire pit or grill. And there is a simple science behind why it works, one expert has explained. Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express,shared a number of tips for UK households.

"There's nothing worse than when you're having a nice barbecue with friends and family and there's bugs flying about," he said. "They can be a real pain, but there are a few inexpensive ways to keep them away.

"These tricks are really simple and a lot of them involve using things most of us probably already have in our homes."

He suggested: "To deter any mosquitoes, just light an empty egg carton and place it in a safe place away from your guests. The burning smell will stop mosquitoes from entering the barbecue area."

However, if you don't feel that it is safe to do so, there are other ways to deter mosquitoes. This is especially important if anyone in the home or any neighbours has respiratory issues.

Egg cartons can contain chemicals which can lead to respiratory irritation. If you can't find a safe place to burn egg cartons, then it is best to use one of the other tips provided by the expert.

He also suggested lighting a few candles in your garden to keep mosquitoes away. Meanwhile, lemon and garlic are strong scents that will likely keep bugs away from your barbecue.