Keep Wasps Away with These Plants

The Importance of Keeping Wasps Away

Wasps can be a nuisance in our homes and gardens, especially during the summer months when they are most active. Not only can their stings be painful, but they can also cause allergic reactions in some people. Moreover, wasps can damage crops, fruits, and vegetables, and are known to prey on other insects such as bees, which is harmful for our ecosystem. In this article, we will discuss various plants that have been found to repel wasps naturally.

1. Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular herb that has a refreshing aroma and is widely used in tea, desserts, and essential oils. However, it is also known to have insect-repellent properties, including wasps. The strong scent of peppermint is said to confuse and deter wasps from entering your home or garden. You can plant peppermint around your house, or sprinkle dried peppermint leaves in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near garbage cans, outdoor dining areas, and doorways.

How to Grow Peppermint

Peppermint is a low-maintenance plant that can grow up to three feet tall. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun. To grow peppermint, you can either plant it from seeds or buy young plants from a nursery. Make sure to water it regularly and trim the stems to encourage bushier growth.

Benefits of Peppermint

Apart from repelling wasps, peppermint has several other benefits. It can help to soothe digestive issues, freshen breath, and relieve headaches. It is also a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial agent and can be used to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

2. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree that is native to Australia but has been widely cultivated in other parts of the world. Its leaves contain essential oils that have insect-repellent properties and can keep wasps at bay. You can plant eucalyptus trees around your home or use eucalyptus oil to make a natural wasp repellent spray.

How to Use Eucalyptus Oil

To make a homemade wasp repellent spray, mix 10-15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with one cup of water and shake well. You can spray this solution on outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and picnic tables to keep wasps away. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of eucalyptus oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near windows and doors.

Benefits of Eucalyptus

Apart from repelling wasps, eucalyptus has many other benefits. It can help to relieve respiratory issues such as colds, coughs, and asthma. It can also help to reduce inflammation, improve mental clarity and focus, and repel other insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.

3. Citronella

Citronella is a popular plant that is known for its strong lemony fragrance. It is commonly used in candles, torches, and sprays to repel mosquitoes and other insects, but it can also deter wasps. The strong scent of citronella masks the scent of food and other attractants that can lure wasps.

How to Grow Citronella

Citronella is a perennial grass that can grow up to six feet tall. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. To grow citronella, you can either plant it from seed or buy young plants from a nursery. Make sure to water it regularly and prune it back in the fall to encourage new growth in the spring.

Benefits of Citronella

Apart from repelling wasps and mosquitoes, citronella has several other benefits. It can help to relieve stress and anxiety, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. It is also a natural deodorant and can be used to freshen up your home or car.

4. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that is commonly used in Asian cuisine and herbal medicine. Its leaves contain essential oils that have insect-repellent properties and can keep wasps away. You can plant lemongrass around your home or use lemongrass oil to make a natural wasp repellent spray.

How to Use Lemongrass Oil

To make a homemade wasp repellent spray, mix 10-15 drops of lemongrass essential oil with one cup of water and shake well. You can spray this solution on outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and picnic tables to keep wasps away. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of lemongrass oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near windows and doors.

Benefits of Lemongrass

Apart from repelling wasps, lemongrass has many other benefits. It can help to relieve pain and inflammation, improve digestion, and boost immunity. It is also a natural insecticide and can be used to kill fleas, ticks, and other pests.

5. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that is widely used in aromatherapy, skincare, and cooking. Its flowers contain essential oils that have insect-repellent properties and can keep wasps at bay. You can plant lavender around your home or use lavender oil to make a natural wasp repellent spray.

How to Use Lavender Oil

To make a homemade wasp repellent spray, mix 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil with one cup of water and shake well. You can spray this solution on outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and picnic tables to keep wasps away. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of lavender oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near windows and doors.

Benefits of Lavender

Apart from repelling wasps, lavender has many other benefits. It can help to reduce anxiety and stress, promote relaxation and sleep, and relieve pain and headaches. It is also a natural antiseptic and can be used to treat minor cuts, burns, and insect bites.

6. Marigold

Marigold is a bright and colorful flower that is widely planted in gardens for its beauty and ability to repel insects. Its scent and color are said to deter wasps from entering your garden, and it can also repel other pests such as aphids and mosquitoes.

How to Grow Marigold

Marigold is an annual plant that can grow up to three feet tall. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. To grow marigold, you can either plant it from seed or buy young plants from a nursery. Make sure to water it regularly and deadhead the spent blooms to encourage new growth.

Benefits of Marigold

Apart from repelling wasps and other insects, marigold has several other benefits. It can help to improve skin health, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. It is also a natural dye and can be used to color fabrics and foods.

7. Basil

Basil is a popular herb that is widely used in Italian cuisine and pesto sauce. However, it is also known for its insect-repellent properties, including wasps. The strong scent of basil can confuse and deter wasps from entering your home or garden.

How to Grow Basil

Basil is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to two feet tall. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. To grow basil, you can either plant it from seeds or buy young plants from a nursery. Make sure to water it regularly and pinch off the leaves to encourage bushier growth.

Benefits of Basil

Apart from repelling wasps, basil has many other benefits. It can help to relieve stress and anxiety, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. It is also a natural antimicrobial agent and can be used to treat infections and wounds.

8. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is a colorful flower that is commonly used in gardens and floral arrangements. Its flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that can kill wasps and other pests. You can plant chrysanthemums around your home or use chrysanthemum oil to make a natural wasp repellent spray.

How to Use Chrysanthemum Oil

To make a homemade wasp repellent spray, mix 10-15 drops of chrysanthemum essential oil with one cup of water and shake well. You can spray this solution on outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and picnic tables to keep wasps away. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of chrysanthemum oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near windows and doors.

Benefits of Chrysanthemum

Apart from repelling wasps and other pests, chrysanthemum has several other benefits. It can help to relieve stress and anxiety, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. It is also a natural insecticide and can be used to kill fleas, ticks, and other pests.

9. Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family that is popular among cats but can also repel wasps. Its leaves contain nepetalactone, a natural compound that is toxic to insects but not harmful to humans. You can plant catnip around your home or use catnip oil to make a natural wasp repellent spray.

How to Use Catnip Oil

To make a homemade wasp repellent spray, mix 10-15 drops of catnip essential oil with one cup of water and shake well. You can spray this solution on outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and picnic tables to keep wasps away. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of catnip oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near windows and doors.

Benefits of Catnip

Apart from repelling wasps and other insects, catnip has several other benefits. It can help to relieve stress and anxiety in humans and cats, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. It is also a natural sedative and can be used to promote relaxation and sleep.

10. Wormwood

Wormwood is a bitter herb that is commonly used in herbal medicine and absinthe production. Its strong aroma and bitter taste can deter wasps from entering your home or garden. You can plant wormwood around your house or use wormwood oil to make a natural wasp repellent spray.

How to Use Wormwood Oil

To make a homemade wasp repellent spray, mix 10-15 drops of wormwood essential oil with one cup of water and shake well. You can spray this solution on outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and picnic tables to keep wasps away. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of wormwood oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near windows and doors.

Benefits of Wormwood

Apart from repelling wasps, wormwood has many other benefits. It can help to relieve digestive issues, reduce fever and pain, and improve skin health. It is also a natural insecticide and can be used to kill lice, fleas, and other pests.

11. Tansy

Tansy is a yellow-flowered plant that is commonly used in gardens and herbal medicine. Its leaves contain tannins and volatile oils that have insect-repellent properties and can keep wasps at bay. You can plant tansy around your home or use tansy oil to make a natural wasp repellent spray.

How to Use Tansy Oil

To make a homemade wasp repellent spray, mix 10-15 drops of tansy essential oil with one cup of water and shake well. You can spray this solution on outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and picnic tables to keep wasps away. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of tansy oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near windows and doors.

Benefits of Tansy

Apart from repelling wasps and other insects, tansy has several other benefits. It can help to relieve menstrual cramps, reduce fever and inflammation, and improve skin health. It is also a natural insecticide and can be used to kill ants, flies, and other pests.

12. Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family that is commonly used in herbal medicine and culinary applications. Its leaves contain pulegone, a natural compound that can repel wasps and other insects. You can plant pennyroyal around your home or use pennyroyal oil to make a natural wasp repellent spray.

How to Use Pennyroyal Oil

To make a homemade wasp repellent spray, mix 10-15 drops of pennyroyal essential oil with one cup of water and shake well. You can spray this solution on outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and picnic tables to keep wasps away. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of pennyroyal oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near windows and doors.

Benefits of Pennyroyal

Apart from repelling wasps, pennyroyal has many other benefits. It can help to relieve digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and improve respiratory health. It is also a natural insecticide and can be used to kill fleas, ticks, and other pests.

13. Rue

Rue is a bitter herb that is commonly used in herbal medicine and culinary applications. Its leaves contain volatile oils that have insect-repellent properties and can keep wasps at bay. You can plant rue around your home or use rue oil to make a natural wasp repellent spray.

How to Use Rue Oil

To make a homemade wasp repellent spray, mix 10-15 drops of rue essential oil with one cup of water and shake well. You can spray this solution on outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and picnic tables to keep wasps away. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of rue oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near windows and doors.

Benefits of Rue

Apart from repelling wasps, rue has many other benefits. It can help to relieve menstrual cramps, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. It is also a natural insecticide and can be used to kill fleas, lice, and other pests.

14. Garlic

Garlic is a popular herb that is widely used in cooking and herbal medicine. Its strong odor can confuse and deter wasps from entering your home or garden. You can plant garlic around your house or use garlic oil to make a natural wasp repellent spray.

How to Use Garlic Oil

To make a homemade wasp repellent spray, mix 10-15 drops of garlic essential oil with one cup of water and shake well. You can spray this solution on outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and picnic tables to keep wasps away. Alternatively, you can place a few drops of garlic oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where wasps tend to gather, such as near windows and doors.

Benefits of Garlic

Apart from repelling wasps,