10 Natural Wasp Deterrent Plants to Keep Your Yard Safe

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If you're someone who loves spending time outdoors, then chances are you've dealt with pesky wasps invading your space. While there are various insecticides available in the market to help keep these stinging insects at bay, not everyone is comfortable using chemical products around their families and pets. Thankfully, there is a list of natural wasp deterrent plants that work effectively to keep these insects away.

Why use Natural Wasp Deterrents?

Using natural wasp deterrents helps to keep your yard free from harmful chemicals that can pose a threat to your family’s health and the environment. Some plants that produce strong smells or fragrant oils repel wasps naturally without the need for any chemical additives.

A List of Natural Wasp Deterrent Plants

Let's take a closer look at each of these plants and learn how they can be used as natural wasp deterrents.

1- Lavender

Lavender is one of the most popular plants known for its relaxing fragrance. But did you know that it also works as a natural wasp deterrent? Thanks to its strong scent, lavender keeps wasps at bay while adding beauty and color to your garden.

Where to Plant?

Lavender thrives in warm, sunny conditions with well-draining soil. It's best to plant it in an area where it will get plenty of sunlight for at least six hours per day.

How to Use it as a Deterrent?

Place fresh or dried lavender in small sachets and distribute them around your yard. Alternatively, make a lavender spray by mixing lavender essential oil with water and spray it on areas where wasps tend to gather, such as eaves, windowsills, or doorways.

2- Peppermint

Peppermint not only smells great but also works as an effective natural wasp repellent. The strong aroma of menthol in the plant's leaves is what makes it a useful deterrent for wasps.

Where to Plant?

Peppermint thrives in well-draining soil and requires regular watering. This herb grows well in full sun or light shade conditions.

How to Use it as a Deterrent?

You can make a natural wasp repellent spray using peppermint oil mixed with water. Spray this on areas where wasps tend to nest or visit. Alternatively, you can plant peppermint in pots and place them around your outdoor seating and dining areas.

3- Lemongrass

Lemongrass, naturally found in tropical regions, not only adds fragrance to your garden but is also a natural wasp deterrent. Citronella, the active ingredient in lemongrass, is commonly used in insect repellents and candles owing to its ability to repel insects.

Where to Plant?

Lemongrass requires lots of sun and humidity to grow, making it ideal for planting in warmer regions with plenty of rainfall. Keep the soil moist and use a well-draining potting mix for optimal growth.

How to Use it as a Deterrent?

Lemongrass can be used fresh or dried to repel wasps. Crush a few stalks of fresh lemongrass and place them around areas where wasps tend to be attracted. Alternatively, you can make a lemongrass spray by boiling the stalks in water and using this solution in a spray bottle.

4- Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is yet another plant that wasps can't stand. The strong, menthol-like aroma of the plant's leaves keeps wasps away while attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.

Where to Plant?

Eucalyptus requires well-draining soil and needs plenty of sunlight to grow. It can be grown in containers or planted directly into the ground.

How to Use it as a Deterrent?

You can use eucalyptus essential oil to create a natural wasp repellent spray. Add a few drops of the oil to water and spray it in areas where wasps tend to gather.

5- Citronella

Citronella is commonly used in candles and other insect repellents due to its ability to keep mosquitoes at bay. However, it also works as an excellent natural wasp deterrent.

Where to Plant?

Citronella requires warm temperatures, high humidity, and good drainage to thrive. They grow best in a warm climate with lots of sunshine.

How to Use it as a Deterrent?

Plant citronella in your garden, and you'll naturally repel pests such as wasps, mosquitoes, and ants. Alternatively, you can use citronella essential oil to create a natural wasp repellent spray to apply in areas where there is a high wasp presence.

6- Marigolds

Marigolds are pretty annual flowers that can help protect your garden against wasps, thanks to the scent they produce. The powerful aroma of marigolds can repel not only wasps but other insects and pests as well.

Where to Plant?

Marigolds require full sunlight or partial shade and prefer well-draining soil. They're hardy plants that can withstand high temperatures and grow best during summer months.

How to Use it as a Deterrent?

Plant marigolds in areas where wasps tend to gather most. Alternatively, keep freshly cut marigold flowers in your outdoor seating areas to deter wasps naturally.

7- Basil

Basil, an herb commonly used in cooking, can also act as a natural wasp repellent. Its strong fragrance is what makes basil so effective at keeping wasps away.

Where to Plant?

Basil thrives in soils with good drainage and requires plenty of sunlight. It's best to plant basil when the temperature is warm and preferably in late spring.

How to Use it as a Deterrent?

Plant basil near windows or doorways to prevent wasps from entering your home. You can also make a basil spray by boiling basil leaves in water and use this solution to spray around your garden.

8- Mint

Mint, like other plants on this list, produces a strong scent that wasps find off-putting. Using mint in your garden can help naturally repel wasps while adding fresh flavor to your dishes.

Where to Plant?

Mint grows well in almost any kind of soil, provided it has good drainage. It prefers full sun but can grow in partially shaded areas too.

How to Use it as a Deterrent?

Plant mint around the perimeter of your yard to keep wasps at bay. Alternatively, keep fresh mint leaves in sachets and place them around your outdoor seating areas.

9- Wormwood

Wormwood is a herb that's been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Its strong aroma can also help keep wasps and other insects away.

Where to Plant?

Wormwood grows best in full sun and dry soil. The plant is known for its tolerance to heat and droughts and is easy to grow in containers.

How to Use it as a Deterrent?

Crush some wormwood leaves and scatter them around areas where wasps tend to gather. You can also make a natural wasp repellent spray by boiling wormwood in water and using it as a spray.

10- Chrysanthemums

Apart from their beautiful blooms, chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, an ingredient commonly used in insecticides. The strong scent produced by the plant's flowers can deter wasps effectively.

Where to Plant?

Chrysanthemums require well-draining soil and at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They should be planted in the springtime when temperatures are still mild.

How to Use it as a Deterrent?

Plant rows of chrysanthemums along windowsills and doorways to deter wasps. Alternatively, use cut chrysanthemum flowers in your outdoor seating areas.

Using plants as natural wasp deterrents is an eco-friendly approach to keep your outdoor space safe from wasps. Choose any of these plants to repel wasps naturally and create a beautiful garden simultaneously!

FAQ

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about natural wasp deterrents:

Do natural wasp deterrents really work?

Yes, using natural wasp deterrents is an effective way to repel wasps from your outdoor space.

Is it safe to use natural wasp deterrents around children and pets?

Yes, natural wasp deterrents are safe to use around children and pets as they don't contain any harmful ingredients.

How often do I need to replace my natural wasp repellent plants?

Most natural wasp repellent plants will last a season or two before needing to be replaced.

What else can I do to prevent wasps from entering my yard?

Eliminating food sources and removing potential nesting spots are other ways to prevent wasps from entering your yard.

Can I use these same plants to repel other insects?

Many of the plants on this list can repel other insects like mosquitoes and flies.

Can I use dried versions of these plants instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried versions of these plants if fresh ones aren't available.

Do I need to plant all ten types of wasp-deterring plants?

No, planting a few of them or just one can help keep wasps away.

When is the best time to plant these types of plants?

The best time to plant these plants is during spring when temperatures are warmer.

Can these plants repel other types of stinging insects?

Some of these plants can also repel other types of stinging insects like bees and hornets.

Do I need to use a specific type of soil or fertilizer for these plants?

Most of these plants grow well in almost any soil type, but you may need to amend the soil with compost. Fertilizer is also helpful for optimal growth.