The Cotswold village of Langford will open its gardens on Sunday, June 14 from 1pm to 5pm as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

Twenty-one gardens will be open, featuring a range of styles from small cottage gardens to formal designs.

This display includes the garden created by the late Sir Hardy Amies, who dressed Queen Elizabeth II for over 55 years.

Homemade teas will be served at two locations, and a plant stall and floral display can be found in the Grade I-listed late Saxon church, St. Matthews.

Admission to all gardens costs £10 per person, while children’s access is free.

Langford’s renowned pub, The Bell Inn, welcomes visitors for lunch.

The advice comes as warmer weather arrives and insect activity increases, raising the risk of uninvited guests around homes and gardens.

Residents are urged to take simple steps now to avoid bigger problems later in the summer.

Niall Gallagher, technical manager at the BPCA, said: “These two simple steps in spring can make a real difference in the summer.

“Deterring wasps and mosquitoes from settling down and breeding in your garden means you’re much less likely to have problems with them later in the summer.

“You can’t keep them out, but a few visitors are much less hassle than thousands of insects that have moved in for the season.”

The first tip is to check regularly for wasp nests, especially in sheds, garages, under eaves, and in other sheltered areas.

Early-stage nests are typically small, around the size of a golf ball, and can be removed before the colony expands.

Wasp nests left undisturbed can grow to house between 5,000 and 8,000 adult wasps by late August.

While wasps are valuable pollinators and natural pest controllers, a large nest close to living areas can become a serious hazard, as threatened wasps release pheromones that trigger a defensive stinging response from the entire colony.

The second tip focuses on reducing mosquito breeding sites by emptying out water butts, buckets, watering cans, and any other containers where stagnant water has collected.

These should also be cleaned where possible to remove overwintering mosquito eggs.

Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, and removing these sites can prevent thousands of insects from emerging during warmer months.

Mr Gallagher said: “Of the native mosquito species in the UK, only a handful are connected to nuisance biting reports and generally, the only risk is a bite which is uncomfortable, itchy, and swollen, although occasionally people can have an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite which may need medical attention.”

He warned that changing climate conditions could increase the risk of non-native mosquito species becoming established in the UK, highlighting recent detections of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus eggs in England.

The BPCA also reminds residents that different stinging insects require different treatment options, and correct identification is key to safe removal.

Mistaking a wasp nest for a bee colony could put endangered bee species at risk if removed incorrectly.

Mr Gallagher said: “If there is any doubt at all, we highly recommend getting in touch with a BPCA member for advice.”

The campaign, spearheaded by Rawda Jehanli during her mayoral tenure, managed to collect the impressive sum for Occtopus, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with colorectal ailments such as bowel cancer, Crohn’s, and Colitis.

In addition to advancing vital research, the money will significantly contribute to patient wellbeing undertakings and enhanced colorectal care at the hospital.

During her visit, Mayor Jehanli engaged with the colorectal department, learning more about the issues faced by patients and the critical role Occtopus plays in their recovery process.

Reflecting on the experience, the mayor emphasised her personal connection to the charity following her own bowel cancer diagnosis in 2023.

Speaking about the visit, Mayor Jehanli expressed her gratitude for the medical professionals at the hospital, noting their dedication and commitment to patient wellbeing.

“I have directly experienced the importance of exceptional care during a colorectal cancer diagnosis and wanted to not only give something back but also raise awareness on the importance of knowing the bowel cancer symptoms because the earlier it is treated, the better the outcomes,” she said.

Occtopus and Oxford University Hospitals representatives expressed thanks to the mayor and her local supporters for their dedication to boosting patient care across Oxfordshire.

The charity, since its inception, has pioneered groundbreaking treatments for colorectal cancer, colitis, and Crohn’s, while also funding national and international research projects to enhance patient care standards.