When it comes to enjoying our outdoor spaces, the presence of wasps can quickly turn a relaxing experience into a stressful one. Luckily, there are natural and effective ways to keep these stinging insects at bay. One of the best methods is to incorporate wasp repellant plants into your garden. Not only will these plants add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space, but they will also deter wasps from making your garden their home. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top wasp-repellant plants that can help create a wasp-free garden and provide you with the peace of mind to enjoy your time outdoors.
Understanding Wasp Repellent Scents
Before diving into the specifics of each plant, it’s important to understand the scents that repel wasps. Wasps are naturally deterred by certain smells, such as acidic and minty fragrances, as well as bitter scents and tastes. Additionally, vinegar, cinnamon, and coffee have been found to have a negative effect on these stingers. By incorporating plants with these scents into your garden, you can create an environment that is unattractive to wasps.
Creating a Wasp-Unfriendly Environment
In addition to incorporating wasp repellant plants, there are other steps you can take to make your garden uninviting to wasps. These measures will further enhance your efforts in creating a wasp-free environment:
1. Maintain a Clean Garden
Wasps are attracted to areas with debris, such as old wood and other materials that they can use to build their nests. Keeping your garden clean and free of clutter will discourage wasps from nesting in your space. Regularly remove fallen leaves, branches, and other organic matter to create a less appealing environment for these insects.
2. Avoid Synthetic Fragrances
Synthetic fragrances, such as those found in perfumes and scented candles, can attract a wide range of insects, including wasps. To minimize their presence in your garden, opt for unscented products and avoid using strong perfumes or colognes when spending time outdoors.
3. Choose Unscented Gardening Products
When selecting gardening products, such as fertilizers, mulch, and pesticides, opt for unscented options. Many scented products can attract insects, including wasps, counteracting your efforts to create a wasp-free garden. By choosing unscented products, you can minimize the likelihood of attracting these stinging insects.
4. Store Food and Drinks Properly
Wasps are particularly attracted to sweet foods and beverages. To prevent them from being drawn to your outdoor dining areas, make sure to store food and drinks in sealed containers. Be diligent about cleaning up spills and properly disposing of any waste that may be appealing to these insects.
5. Secure Garbage Bins and Compost
Wasps are opportunistic feeders and can be drawn to garbage bins and compost piles. Make sure your garbage bins have tightly sealed lids and regularly empty and clean them to minimize the presence of food sources for wasps. Similarly, manage your compost pile properly to prevent it from becoming a haven for these stinging insects.
6. Avoid Bright Colors
Wasps are attracted to bright colors, particularly yellow and violet. When planning your garden, consider avoiding these colors in your plant selection, as they may attract more wasps. Opt for plants with less vibrant hues to reduce the chances of drawing these insects to your garden.
Top Wasp Repellant Plants for Your Garden
Now that we understand the principles behind creating a wasp-free garden let’s explore the best plants that can naturally repel wasps. These plants have been proven to possess scents and characteristics that deter wasps, making them an excellent addition to your outdoor space.
1. Wormwood(Artemisia)
Wormwood, also known as Artemisia, is a powerful wasp-repellant plant. Its fine silver, feathery foliage not only adds visual interest to your garden but also emits an astringent scent that wasps find highly unpleasant. This hardy perennial grows well in sunny, well-draining spots and is perfect for surrounding decks or keeping wasps away from porches. With a height of around 2ft (60cm) and a spread of 3ft (90cm), wormwood forms attractive mounds that can serve as natural barriers against these stinging insects. It’s important to note that wormwood is best planted alone, as it can be detrimental to other plants.
2. Mint and Spearmint(Mentha spp.)
Mint and spearmint are not only beloved by humans for their fresh aroma and culinary uses but are also highly effective in repelling wasps. These aromatic herbs emit a strong fragrance that wasps dislike, making them an excellent choice for keeping these insects at bay. Mint and spearmint are sun and part shade-loving plants that come in various varieties, each with its own subtle flavor and characteristics. Consider planting them in containers near seating areas or incorporating them into your herb garden to enjoy their natural wasp-deterrent properties while also having fresh ingredients at hand for cooking.
3. Eucalyptus(Eucalyptus spp.)
Eucalyptus, with its distinct aroma, is another plant that wasps find displeasing. While it requires a great deal of sunlight, it can be successfully grown in a sun porch or greenhouse and placed outside during the summer. The strongly scented leaves of eucalyptus not only repel wasps but also add a delightful fragrance to your garden. Consider planting eucalyptus near outdoor seating areas or cutting a sprig to bring indoors and enjoy its invigorating scent throughout your home.
4. Marigold(Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are not only beautiful flowers but also excellent natural wasp repellants. While bees are attracted to marigolds, wasps tend to dislike them. Their bright colors and distinct scent make them an unappealing choice for these stinging insects. With their wide range of colors and heights, marigolds can be planted throughout your garden to create a wasp-free environment. They are easy to grow from seed packets, making them an affordable and effective option for warding off unwanted wasps.
5. Pennyroyal(Mentha pulegium)
Pennyroyal, a low-growing ground cover plant with a strong minty aroma, is an excellent addition to your garden for repelling wasps. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for window baskets or mixing with other bedding plants to suppress weeds. Pennyroyal emits a scent that wasps find unpleasant, making it an effective deterrent. This hardy plant is suitable for USDA Zones 5-10 and is commonly sold as an ornamental plant in garden centers.
6. Basil(Ocimum basilicum)
Basil, a popular culinary herb known for its delightful fragrance and flavor, also possesses wasp repelling properties. Wasps are put off by the scent of basil, making it a valuable addition to your garden. Planting basil near your kitchen door allows for easy access to fresh herbs while keeping wasps away. This sun-loving plant can be grown in containers or garden beds with proper containment measures, as it has a tendency to spread rapidly.
7. Citronella(Cymbopogon spp.)
Citronella is well-known for its mosquito-repellent properties, but it can also help deter wasps. This plant emits a lovely lemony fragrance that wasps tend to avoid. Planting citronella in your garden, particularly near outdoor seating areas or along pathways, can create a pleasant scent while keeping wasps at bay. Citronella prefers six hours of sun per day and moist soil conditions.
8. Geranium(Pelargonium spp.)
Geraniums, especially those with red flowers, are disliked by wasps. The vibrant colors and scent of geraniums make them an unattractive choice for these stinging insects. Red geraniums, in particular, have very little pollen, which further discourages wasps from visiting. Planting geraniums throughout your garden can add a pop of color while acting as a natural wasp-repellent. They are versatile plants that can thrive in various conditions and are commonly sold as annual bedding plants.
9. Thyme(Thymus spp.)
Thyme, a fragrant herb commonly used in culinary dishes, also possesses wasp-repelling properties. The scent of thyme is favored by herb gardeners but disliked by wasps. Crushed thyme leaves can be sprinkled around the garden or rubbed against the skin to repel wasps. Thyme is a versatile plant that can thrive in various climates, particularly in hot and dry areas. It is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9 and can be easily grown from seedlings or transplants.
10. Lemongrass(Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass, with its refreshing citrus fragrance, is an excellent choice for repelling wasps. This plant adds a pleasant aroma to your garden and can be planted near outdoor seating areas or along pathways to create a natural wasp deterrent. Lemongrass prefers warm climates but can be overwintered indoors in colder regions. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-10 and can be purchased from various online retailers.
Conclusion
By incorporating these best wasp repellant plants into your garden, you can create a beautiful and wasp-free outdoor space. Wormwood, mint, eucalyptus, marigold, pennyroyal, basil, citronella, geranium, thyme, and lemongrass are all excellent choices for naturally repelling wasps. Remember also to implement other measures, such as maintaining a clean garden and avoiding bright colors, to discourage these stinging insects further. With these strategies in place, you can enjoy your time outdoors without the worry of wasp encounters.
