Plants That Repel Wasps: A Gardener's Guide

Wasps can be a major nuisance for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors in the warmer months. Their stings are painful and can even be dangerous for people who are allergic. Fortunately, there are several plants that act as natural repellents for these pesky insects. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best plants for warding off wasps and keeping your outdoor spaces more comfortable.

The Top Plants for Repelling Wasps

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a popular plant for repelling wasps because of its strong citrusy scent. The essential oil found in lemongrass contains citral, which is known to be toxic to many insects, including wasps. Planting lemongrass around your outdoor living areas can help keep wasps at bay. It's also easy to grow in pots or directly in the ground, making it a versatile choice for gardeners.

How to Grow Lemongrass

To grow lemongrass, with a healthy stalk from a mature plant. Trim off the top two-thirds of the stalk and plant it in well-draining soil. Water the soil regularly and keep it moist but not waterlogged. With proper care, your lemongrass should thrive and help repel wasps.

Mint

Mint is another great plant for repelling wasps. Its strong aroma is unappealing to these insects, making them less likely to stick around. Mint is also easy to grow and can be used in cooking and other household applications.

How to Grow Mint

Mint is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun. Make sure to water your mint regularly and prune it back as needed to keep it from becoming too leggy.

Citronella

Citronella is a common ingredient in many insect repellents, and for good reason. The essential oil found in citronella is known to be effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects, including wasps. Planting citronella around your outdoor living areas can help keep wasps and other bugs at bay.

How to Grow Citronella

Citronella is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, as long as it has well-draining soil. Water your citronella regularly and keep it in a warm, sunny location for best results.

Other Plants That Repel Wasps

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful flowering plant that is also effective at repelling wasps. Its strong scent is unappealing to these insects, making them less likely to stick around. Lavender is also great for attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Make sure to water it regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Prune your lavender back after it blooms to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming too woody.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a popular plant for its many health benefits, but it's also effective at repelling wasps. The essential oil found in eucalyptus leaves is toxic to many insects, including wasps. Planting eucalyptus around your outdoor living areas can help keep these pests at bay.

How to Grow Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree that prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. It can be grown from seed or as a cutting from an existing plant. Water your eucalyptus regularly and make sure to prune it back as needed to encourage healthy growth.

Plants That Attract Wasps (and Why You Should Consider Them)

While most gardeners want to repel wasps, there are actually some plants that can help attract them. This may seem counterintuitive, but attracting wasps can be beneficial for several reasons. For one, wasps are important pollinators and can help increase fruit and vegetable yields. They also prey on other insects like caterpillars and aphids, which can help protect your garden from pests.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a beautiful flowering plant that is attractive to many types of wasps. These insects are attracted to the nectar produced by the flowers, making goldenrod a great choice for attracting beneficial pollinators to your garden.

How to Grow Goldenrod

Goldenrod prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. Water your goldenrod regularly and make sure to deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

Parsley

Parsley is a common herb that is attractive to several types of wasps. These insects are attracted to the small flowers that bloom on parsley plants, making them a great choice for attracting beneficial pollinators to your garden.

How to Grow Parsley

Parsley prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. Make sure to water it regularly and prune it back as needed to encourage healthy growth.

In there are several plants that can help repel wasps and keep your outdoor spaces more comfortable. From lemongrass to citronella, these natural repellents are easy to grow and can be a great alternative to chemical pesticides. Additionally, attracting wasps to your garden can have several benefits for your plants and crops. By incorporating some of these plants into your outdoor living areas, you can create a more enjoyable space for yourself and your family.

FAQs

1. Are there any other insects that these plants repel?

Yes, many of the plants listed in this article are effective at repelling a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and ants.

2. Can I use essential oils from these plants as a spray to repel wasps?

Yes, you can extract essential oils from these plants and use them to make a natural insect repellent spray. However, it's important to dilute the oils properly and test them on a small area before using them on larger surfaces.

3. How often should I water these plants?

Most of the plants listed in this article prefer moist but well-draining soil. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.

4. Will these plants attract other insects besides wasps?

Yes, some of the plants listed in this article may attract other insects like bees and butterflies. However, these insects are generally considered beneficial for your garden and should not be seen as pests.

5. Can I grow these plants indoors?

Yes, many of the plants listed in this article can be grown indoors as long as they have access to plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. However, some may require more space than others, so make sure to choose a plant that fits your indoor environment.