The Trick to Keeping Wasps Away Naturally

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Wasps play an important role in the ecosystem, helping with pollination and pest control, but that doesn’t mean you want them buzzing around. If you’d prefer to keep wasps at a distance without using harsh chemicals, these natural repellents offer a safer, eco-friendly solution.

1. Garlic

A garlic a day helps keep the wasps away! Place crushed fresh garlic cloves near your favorite outdoor seating area, and you’ll find that wasps give it a wide berth. Crushed garlic can also be mixed with water for an effective wasp-repellent spray.

2. Cucumber

The smell of fresh cucumber has been known to deter wasps. It’s as simple as placing cucumber slices in key areas around picnic areas and outdoor dining spaces to keep them at bay. You can also soak chunks of cucumber in water to make a refreshing spray that keeps wasps away.

3. Fake Wasp Nest

In early to mid-spring, newly emerged wasps will seek a place to build new nests. Wasps cleverly choose locations away from other nests to avoid direct competition for food sources. This means you can trick them into thinking wasps already occupy your garden by hanging fake decoy wasp nests in strategic locations.

4. Marigolds

Marigold flowers have a strong, peppery smell that wasps find unpleasant. Any marigold will work, including French marigolds and African marigolds. Calendula, a close relative of the Marigold family, is also an effective wasp repellent.

5. Bay Leaves

Bay trees are easy to grow, and their leaves can deter wasps while also adding flavor to various savory dishes. The most effective way to use the bay leaves as a wasp repellent is to crush freshly picked leaves to release their distinctive aroma lightly. Replace the leaves every few days before they dry out and lose their potency.

6. Mint

Wasps dislike the smell of mint and will steer clear of areas where it is growing. Plant mint strategically near your favorite seating areas, and pick a few sprigs for the table every day. Remember that mint can be highly invasive, so it is best grown in pots to keep it contained.

7. Cinnamon

Sprinkle ground cinnamon around areas where wasps are active. The strong smell will confuse their sensitive scent glands and encourage them to move on elsewhere.

8. Peppermint Oil

Wasps dislike the potent smell of peppermint. To deter them outdoors, place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around areas where wasps frequently appear. For indoor spaces, create a repellent spray by mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water and a small amount of dish soap in a spray bottle.

9. Essential Oil Blend

Many essential oils have wasp-repellent properties, and mixing a potent blend is a great way to create the ultimate natural solution. Combine equal parts of clove, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils with water in a spray bottle, and spray this mixture around areas where wasps are a problem.

10. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as lemons and limes are highly effective wasp repellents. Citrus fruit peels can be placed around outdoor seating areas, and a mixture of citrus essential oils and water can be used as a spray repellent.

11. Vinegar

Vinegar has many uses around the home, including as a wasp and insect repellent. To keep wasps at bay, place bowls of vinegar in outdoor areas or spray a mix of water and vinegar around doorways and windows. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar both work well.

12. Eucalyptus

The potent scent of eucalyptus leaves can confuse wasps, masking the smells of sugary drinks and foods that usually attract them to outdoor dining areas. Using freshly picked eucalyptus leaves can add a decorative touch while repelling wasps in homes and gardens. Alternatively, for quicker results, use eucalyptus oil in a diffuser.

13. Lemongrass

When lightly crushed, lemongrass gives off a punchy lemon fragrance that repels wasps and other flying insects. Grow a pot of lemongrass in your yard and pick a few stems any time that wasps are becoming a nuisance.

14. Basil

Basil is an annual leafy green culinary herb that can be used to keep wasps and other flying insects at bay. For the best results, plant basil in key locations around your garden and near doorways and windows. This will repel wasps and provide a regular supply of this delicious herb.

15. Vanilla or Almond Extract

Although we associate them with deliciously sweet home-baked goods, wasps dislike the smell of vanilla and almond. To discourage wasps from entering your home, apply a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to cotton balls and place them near windows and doors.

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