Garden Q&A: How can I keep wasps away from my apple tree?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions    

Ripe fruit such as these apples attracts wasps. File picture

Question

There are lots of wasps around my apple tree. What is causing them, how can I stop them and is the fruit safe to eat?

Answer

Wasps are usually drawn to apple trees because some of the fruit is damaged, overripe or beginning to ferment. As apples split, bruise or are pecked by birds, the sweet juice becomes an easy food source. 

Hot, dry weather can make this worse by stressing trees and causing fruit to crack or drop early.

The best way to reduce the problem is to pick up fallen apples regularly and remove badly damaged fruit from the tree. 

Do not swat at wasps, as this can make them more defensive. Traps can catch some wasps, but they are not always necessary.

The fruit is generally safe to eat once any damaged, chewed or rotten parts are cut away. Wash it well, and avoid fruit that smells fermented or has started to decay.

• Got a gardening question for Peter Dowdall? Email [e-mail]