Heatwave warning as thousands and thousands of Brits abandon pints in concern of this one factor
As the UK braces for 35C heat and beer gardens fill up, experts claim bugs are forcing Brits to ditch summer pints, with 18% abandoning unfinished food or drinks
Experts warn that millions of Brits will be forced to abandon their summer pints (Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
As temperatures are set to reach 35C across the UK and beer gardens filling up, experts warn that millions of Brits will be forced to abandon their summer pints as insects turn beer gardens into no-go zones.
July is expected to be the worst month for insects, with rising temperatures bringing more unwanted visitors. New research reveals that Britain’s favourite summer activities, al fresco dining and beer garden drinks, are being disrupted by swarms of bugs.
A study of 2,000 UK adults by insect repellent experts Wasp-Eze found that 69% of Brits say insects have ruined an outdoor meal or drink, while almost one in five (18%) admit they have abandoned unfinished food or drinks due to fears of being bitten or stung.
For many, insects are putting them off from spending time outside altogether. More than one in five (22%) say that fear of being stung makes them less likely to spend time outdoors, with 9% saying it spoils the season completely.
The disruption doesn’t stop there. Nearly one in five (17%) now avoid eating or drinking outdoors altogether, while almost a quarter (24%) actively try to spend less time outdoors during the summer.
Many have been forced to retreat indoors after insects interrupted their plans. Two in five (42%) have headed inside after bugs spoiled an outdoor occasion, while 11% have even left a beer garden early.
Half of Brits (50%) have covered their drinks with a napkin or coaster to stop bugs getting inside, while 30% have moved tables or seats to escape insects. Meanwhile, 14% have spilt food or drink while trying to avoid them.
The experts also pinpointed the worst culprits for luring in summer bugs – and it’s bad news for anyone with a sweet tooth. In their survey, fizzy drinks and cans of pop topped the list, with 51% saying they attract insects, followed by fruit like watermelon and strawberries (45%) and ice cream or sweet desserts (43%).
Sweet cocktails or mocktails were also flagged by a quarter (25%), while barbecued meat (20%) and even beer or lager (19%) were named as insect magnets. Fizzy drinks (51%), fresh fruit (45%), sweet desserts (43%) and sweet cocktails (25%) were identified as the biggest insect magnets.
Despite concern about bites and stings, 7% of Brits admit they would not know how to treat an insect bite or sting. The research found many still rely on old wives’ tales, with more than one in 10 (12%) saying they would rub a dock leaf on the sting or use vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.
Some would take more extreme measures, with 4% saying they would attempt to suck out venom or apply toothpaste (3%). The research also suggests many Brits struggle to stay calm when insects appear.
Although experts advise against swatting at wasps or bees, only 35% say they remain calm when a flying insect approaches. Instead, 41% admit to frantically waving them away. A quarter (25%) say they run away from insects, while more than one in five (21%) confess to flailing their arms or screaming to avoid being stung.
Women are less likely than men to stay calm and composed when confronted by insects (29% vs 40%), while Gen-Z women are most likely to run away, with 44% admitting to this. Despite a quarter of Brits (27%) stating that an allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting is their biggest fear, less than half (49%) actually take preventative measures, such as wearing insect repellent.
“There’s nothing better than enjoying food and drinks outdoors during the summer, but unfortunately, insects often have the same idea,” Mike Rondas, General Manager at Wasp-Eze , said. “There are a few simple ways to make yourself and your food less attractive to insects.”
He continued: “Keeping drinks covered whenever possible, clearing away empty bottles, cans and food packaging promptly, and avoiding leaving sweet foods exposed for long periods can all help make you less attractive to insects. If you’re planning to spend time in gardens, parks or beer gardens, applying an insect repellent before you head out is one of the most effective ways to help prevent bites and stings before they happen.
“If a wasp lands nearby, stay calm and avoid swatting at it, as sudden movements are more likely to provoke it. If you are stung, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and avoid scratching the skin.
“Most stings can be treated at home, but anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or signs of a severe allergic reaction should seek immediate medical attention.”
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