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People urged to check 1 spot in garden for wasps and spiders this weekend

Hot weather can lead to insects hiding in cool, dark spots.

[Queen wasp building a nest in early spring]

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Make sure you double check(Image: inyourArea)

With hot weather sweeping across the country this week its the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the garden. However, if you have children there are some dangers lurking in the garden, especially with temperatures forecast in the high 30s across much of the country.

According to the experts at toy company Outdoorplay, parents should check the garden for warning signs before letting their children loose to play. One key thing to check is whether wasps and spiders have decided to make your playground their home.

Alex McMullan, product designer at Outdoortoys, explained: "Garden play equipment can provide the perfect hiding place for wasps, spiders and other insects during warm weather, particularly if it hasn't been used for a few days.

Before children climb into playhouses or onto climbing frames, take a moment to check underneath platforms, inside tunnels, around roofs and in any hollow sections where insects may have settled."

Its a quick five-minute check that could save a lot of screaming later.

[Young girl looks at a spider inside a glass jar]

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Spiders can hide in playgrounds(Image: inyourArea)

While you're checking for bugs, its also a good idea to make sure that hot weather hasnt damaged any other parts of the equipment.

Alex said: While quality equipment is designed for outdoor use, extreme heat can soften certain plastics over time, causing parts to warp, weaken or become more brittle as they cool.

"It's worth giving climbing frames, slides and steps a quick inspection during heatwaves to make sure nothing has shifted, cracked or become loose.

If youre lucky enough to have a trampoline in your garden, its worth noting that heat can affect them too. The first thing to check is that the extended dry weather and heat hasnt moved the anchor points.

[Child jumping high on big trampoline outside in garden]

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Always keep an eye on kids using trampolines(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Alex explained: "Extended periods of hot, dry weather can cause the ground to harden and shrink, which may reduce the stability of anchors securing trampolines, football goals and larger climbing frames.

"Parents should regularly check that anchor points remain firmly in place and re-secure them if the ground has become loose or cracked."

Heat can also make a small change to the bounce of a trampoline. Mats and springs can become more elastic, which can affect how high your kids jump.

Alex said: While the difference might seem small, it can affect how high children bounce and increase the chance of awkward landings. It's a good reminder to stick to one jumper at a time and always supervise trampoline play."

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