Plants That Deter Wasps: Natural Ways to Keep Your Home Safe

Have you ever been enjoying a summer day in your backyard, only to have it ruined by pesky wasps buzzing around your head? While these insects play an important role in the ecosystem, they can be quite a nuisance when they decide to make their home near yours. One way to keep them away is by planting certain types of plants that naturally deter wasps. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the best plants to keep these stinging insects at bay.

Why Do Wasps Come Around?

Before we dive into the plants that repel wasps, let's first understand why they are attracted to certain areas in the first place.

Wasps are most commonly attracted to sweet smells and bright colors. They are also drawn to food and sugary substances, making picnics and outdoor barbecues prime targets for their presence. Additionally, wasps build their nests in protected areas such as eaves, attics, and trees. If you have a lot of these areas around your home, you may experience more wasp activity than usual.

Best Plants to Repel Wasps

1. Peppermint: The strong scent of peppermint is a natural wasp repellent. Grow the plant in pots or planters around your home, or use peppermint essential oil to wipe down surfaces.

How to Grow Peppermint

Peppermint is easy to grow and maintain, even for those without a green thumb. Plant it in a sunny area with well-draining soil, and water it regularly to keep the soil moist.

1. Citronella: Citronella is a common ingredient in many insect repellents, including those that target wasps. Plant this grass around your outdoor living space to keep the bugs at bay.

How to Grow Citronella

Citronella is a tropical grass that thrives in warm, humid climates. Plant it in well-draining soil and water it regularly to keep the soil moist. Keep in mind that citronella does best in areas with plenty of sunlight.

1. Lemongrass: Like citronella, lemongrass is a popular ingredient in many insect repellents. It has a citrusy scent that can help keep wasps away from your home.

How to Grow Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that needs plenty of sunlight and moisture to thrive. Plant it in well-draining soil and water it regularly to keep the soil moist. You can also grow lemongrass in pots or containers if you don't have room for it in your garden.

1. Eucalyptus: The strong scent of eucalyptus is a natural insect repellent. Plant this tree around your home to deter wasps and other pests.

How to Grow Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia but can be grown in other parts of the world as well. They require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. Be sure to water your eucalyptus tree regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.

1. Wormwood: This herb has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent. Plant it around your home to keep wasps and other pests away.

How to Grow Wormwood

Wormwood is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water your wormwood plant regularly to keep the soil moist.

1. Geraniums: These colorful flowers are not only beautiful but also a natural wasp repellent. Plant them around your home to keep these insects at bay.

How to Grow Geraniums

Geraniums prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist, and be sure to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new growth.

1. Marigolds: Marigolds are another colorful flower that can help keep wasps away from your home. Their strong scent is a natural deterrent for many insects.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist and deadhead spent flowers to promote new growth.

1. Pennyroyal: This minty herb is a natural insect repellent that can help keep wasps and other pests away from your home.

How to Grow Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist, and be sure to prune it back regularly to encourage new growth.

1. Chrysanthemums: These colorful flowers contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which can help keep wasps and other pests away from your home.

How to Grow Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist, and be sure to deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth.

1. Lavender: The fragrant scent of lavender is a natural wasp repellent. Plant it around your home to keep these insects at bay.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist, and be sure to prune it back regularly to encourage new growth.

1. Basil: The strong scent of basil is a natural insect repellent that can help keep wasps and other pests away from your home.

How to Grow Basil

Basil prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist, and be sure to harvest it regularly to promote new growth.

1. Catnip: While catnip may attract cats, it can also help repel wasps and other insects. Plant it around your home to keep these pests at bay.

How to Grow Catnip

Catnip prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist, and be sure to prune it back regularly to encourage new growth.

1. Nasturtiums: These colorful flowers are not only beautiful but also a natural insect repellent. Plant them around your home to keep wasps and other pests away.

How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist, and be sure to deadhead spent flowers to promote new growth.

1. Sagebrush: This fragrant herb is a natural insect repellent that can help keep wasps and other pests away from your home.

How to Grow Sagebrush

Sagebrush prefers dry, well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water it sparingly, as too much water can cause root rot.

1. Tansy: This yellow-flowered plant has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent. Plant it around your home to keep wasps and other pests away.

How to Grow Tansy

Tansy prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist, and be sure to prune it back regularly to encourage new growth.

Planting these natural insect repellents can help keep wasps and other pests away from your home. Not only are they effective, but they also add a beautiful touch to your outdoor living space. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about pesky insects buzzing around your head.

FAQs

Q: Are these plants safe for pets?

A: Most of these plants are safe for pets, but some may cause allergic reactions or digestive issues if ingested. Check with your veterinarian before introducing any new plants to your home.

Q: Do these plants repel all types of wasps?

A: While these plants can help deter many types of wasps, they may not have the same effect on all species.

Q: How often do I need to water these plants?

A: Each plant has its own watering needs, so be sure to research the specific plant you are growing to determine how often to water it.

Q: Can I grow these plants indoors?

A: Some of these plants can be grown indoors, but most require plenty of sunlight and space to thrive.

Q: Can I use these plants to repel other types of insects?

A: Many of these plants can also help repel other types of insects, including mosquitoes and flies.