As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have encountered many situations where clients have asked me how to keep wasps away from their outdoor spaces. Wasps can be quite bothersome, especially during the summer months when we want to enjoy our gardens and patios without the fear of getting stung. Over the years, I have learned that there are certain scents and smells that wasps strongly dislike, and incorporating these into your outdoor environment can help deter them.
One scent that wasps hate is peppermint. The strong aroma of peppermint can be quite overpowering for them, making them want to stay away. You can plant peppermint around your garden or patio, or even use peppermint essential oil in a diffuser to create a barrier that keeps wasps at bay. Spearmint has a similar effect, so you can consider using that as well.
Another plant that wasps dislike is basil. Not only does basil add a wonderful aroma to your garden, but it can also help keep wasps away. Planting basil near your outdoor seating area or using it in pots can be a natural way to repel these pests. Eucalyptus is another plant with a strong scent that wasps tend to avoid. It can be planted or placed in pots around your garden or patio to keep them at a distance.
Cloves are known to repel wasps due to their strong and pungent smell. You can create a natural wasp deterrent by placing cloves in a small cloth bag and hanging it near areas where wasps are commonly seen. Geraniums have a similar effect, with their strong fragrance being disliked by wasps. Planting geraniums in your garden or using geranium essential oil can help keep them away.
Thyme, with its aromatic scent, can also serve as a natural wasp repellent. Planting thyme near seating areas or using it in pots can help create a wasp-free zone. Citronella is well-known for its ability to repel mosquitoes, but it can also deter wasps. Burning citronella candles or using citronella essential oil can help keep these pests away.
Bay leaves are another scent that wasps dislike. Placing bay leaves in areas where wasps are a problem, such as near windows or doorways, can help prevent them from entering your home. Lemongrass, with its citrusy scent, is also disliked by wasps. Planting lemongrass or using lemongrass essential oil can help create a wasp-free environment.
Apart from plants, there are other scents that can repel wasps. Vinegar, for example, is a strong-smelling substance that wasps find unpleasant. Mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying it around areas where wasps are a problem can help deter them. Cinnamon is another scent that wasps dislike. You can sprinkle cinnamon powder around your garden or patio to create a barrier that keeps them away.
Coffee grounds are not only a great addition to your compost, but they can also help repel wasps. Sprinkling coffee grounds in areas where wasps are commonly seen can deter them from coming near. Sliced cucumber is another natural deterrent for wasps. Placing slices of cucumber in strategic locations can help keep them away.
Wasps have a strong sense of smell and dislike certain scents and smells. Incorporating plants like peppermint, spearmint, basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, thyme, citronella, bay leaves, and lemongrass into your outdoor environment can help repel them. Additionally, scents like vinegar, cinnamon, coffee grounds, and sliced cucumber can also keep wasps at bay. By using these natural methods, you can create a wasp-free zone in your garden or patio and enjoy your outdoor spaces without the worry of being stung.
