However, one of the quickest ways to put a damper on your fun and relaxation is the presence of bees and wasps. Bees and wasps are just part of the summer and warm weather, but they can be a nuisance and even a danger if left unchecked.

If you have hives near your home, or if the bees and wasp problem is more of an infestation than a nuisance, you should hire a professional exterminator to come and get rid of them. Exterminators are trained to get rid of the root of the problem, ensuring the bees and wasps don't come back, and know how to safely destroy bee and wasp nests that might be close to your patio.

However, this is not always an option. The following are a few things you can do to get rid of bees and wasps on your patio yourself:

• Keep garbage covered. If you have a garbage can or trash bag outside by the patio, make sure it stays covered or tied up tightly. Better yet, if you are having food on the patio, have everyone take their plates and trash to a can inside when they're done to discourage wasps and bees from coming around.
• Keep food and drinks covered. Bees and wasps are attracted to sweet things, such as sweet fruits and soft drinks. Keep the caps on sodas, and cover fruit salads or other sweet juicy foods when eating outdoors.
• Pick ripe fruit. If you have fruit trees or plants in your yard, make sure you pick the fruit as it ripens and clean up rotting or fallen fruit from the ground, which will attract bees and wasps to your yard and eventually your patio.
• If you are going to be spending a lot of time on your patio, avoid wearing heavy perfume or hairspray when going outside. This will also attract bees and wasps to the area.
• Locate the nest. You may have a bee nest by your home. They typically like to build nests in corners. Once you know where they are coming from, you can work to get rid of them.
• Call a beekeeper. If you have a bee nest on your property, call around to see if there are local beekeepers in your area. Many times, they will come and safely remove the hive for free.
• Get bug spray. Get some bug spray and spray it directly at the hive. This will kill the bees or wasps. You can do this at night, which is when all of the bees are there. During the day, they are out collecting nectar.
• Protect yourself. If you are going after the bee or wasp hives yourself, make sure you wear gloves, thick jeans, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect you from potential stings. If you have an allergy to bee and wasp stings, however, avoid the potential for contact and call an exterminator.

These are a few things you can do to get rid of bees and wasps on your patio.