Citronella Wasps: Natural Pest Control with a Pleasant Scent

When it comes to pests in the garden, many people turn to harmful chemicals or expensive solutions. But what if there was a natural, eco-friendly way to control pests that also smelled amazing? Enter the citronella wasp. These fascinating insects are not only beautiful to look at, but they can also help to keep pesky garden pests at bay. In this article, we'll explore what citronella wasps are, how they work, and how you can attract them to your garden.

What Are Citronella Wasps?

Citronella wasps (also known as paper wasps) are a type of social wasp that are found throughout North and South America. They are so named because they emit a scent similar to citronella when they fly. Unlike other types of wasps, citronella wasps are not aggressive, and they rarely sting humans unless provoked. In fact, they can be beneficial to have around, as they prey on many common garden pests such as caterpillars, aphids, and flies.

Appearance and Behavior

Citronella wasps are easily recognizable by their distinctive yellow and black coloring. They have long, slender bodies and wings that fold longitudinally when at rest. These wasps build their nests out of wood fibers and saliva, which gives them a papery texture. The nests are usually found in sheltered areas such as under eaves, in trees, or in shrubs.

Citronella wasps are social insects, living in colonies that are led by a single queen. The queen is responsible for laying eggs, while the workers tend to the nest and care for the young. Unlike honeybees, which can only sting once before they die, citronella wasps can sting multiple times without harm to themselves.

Attracting Citronella Wasps to Your Garden

If you're looking to attract citronella wasps to your garden, there are a few things you can do to make your space more inviting to them. Here are some tips:

Planting

Citronella wasps are attracted to flowers that produce nectar, so planting a variety of flowering plants is a great way to lure them in. Some great options include lavender, marigolds, and butterfly bushes. You should also avoid using pesticides or other chemicals in your garden, as these can harm the very insects you're trying to attract.

Nesting Sites

Providing nesting sites for citronella wasps is another great way to encourage them to take up residence in your garden. You can do this by providing wooden birdhouses or creating small piles of wood shavings or straw in sheltered areas. Just be sure to place the nesting sites away from high-traffic areas to avoid disturbing the wasps.

Water Sources

Like all insects, citronella wasps need access to water. Providing a shallow dish of water (with rocks or twigs for perching) can help to attract them to your garden. Be sure to change the water frequently to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Citronella Wasp Benefits

Having citronella wasps in your garden can provide a number of benefits. Here are just a few:

Natural Pest Control

As mentioned earlier, citronella wasps are excellent predators of common garden pests. This means that having them around can help to reduce the need for harmful pesticides or other chemical treatments.

Beautiful and Fascinating Insects

Citronella wasps are not only beneficial to have around, but they're also beautiful to look at. Their distinctive yellow and black coloring and papery nests make them a fascinating addition to any garden.

Pleasant Scent

Perhaps the most unique feature of citronella wasps is their pleasant citronella scent. This can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your time in the garden.

How to Deal with Citronella Wasps

While citronella wasps are generally harmless to humans, there may be times when you need to remove them from your property. Here are some tips for doing so safely:

Avoid Provoking Them

As mentioned earlier, citronella wasps are not aggressive unless provoked. So if you see them flying around your garden, try to avoid disturbing them.

Nest Removal

If you need to remove a citronella wasp nest, it's best to do so at night when the wasps are less active. Wear protective clothing and use a flashlight to locate the nest. Then, spray it with a commercial insecticide and wait until morning to remove it.

Professional Help

If you're dealing with a large infestation of citronella wasps or are unsure how to handle them safely, it's best to seek the help of a professional pest control company.

FAQs About Citronella Wasps

1. Are citronella wasps dangerous?

No, citronella wasps are not typically dangerous to humans. They are not aggressive and rarely sting unless provoked.

2. What do citronella wasps eat?

Citronella wasps prey on a variety of garden pests, including caterpillars, aphids, and flies.

3. Can I keep a citronella wasp nest in my yard?

While it's certainly possible to keep a citronella wasp nest in your yard, you should be cautious about doing so. The wasps can become aggressive if they feel threatened, and their nests can attract other pests such as spiders or yellow jackets.

4. How can I tell the difference between a citronella wasp and a yellow jacket?

Citronella wasps have a distinctive yellow and black coloration and a slender body. Yellow jackets, on the other hand, are more robust and have a bright yellow and black striped pattern.

5. Can I use citronella wasps to control pests indoors?

No, citronella wasps are not suitable for indoor pest control. They require access to outdoor plants and flowers to survive.


Citronella wasps are fascinating insects that can provide a range of benefits to your garden. By attracting them through proper plant selection, providing nesting sites, and offering water sources, you can enjoy natural pest control with a pleasant scent. If you need to remove a nest, do so safely and consider seeking professional help if necessary. With these tips in mind, you can make your garden a haven for these beautiful and beneficial insects.