Kathrine Frich
Wasps may play a role in biodiversity, but they can quickly become a serious nuisance, especially in late summer.
Wasps may play a role in biodiversity, but they can quickly become a serious nuisance, especially in late summer.
If you’re tired of swatting them away during outdoor meals, these six plants can help repel them naturally, all while adding beauty and fragrance to your garden.
Peppermint
While humans enjoy the fresh scent of mint, whether in a cocktail or as a garnis, many pests hate it.
Wasps, flies, ants, and even rodents steer clear of the sharp aroma that mint plants release.
Mint is low-maintenance and thrives in full sun or partial shade with consistently moist soil.
Once mature, the leaves can be harvested for both cooking and pest control.
Wormwood
Known for its historic medicinal uses and as a key ingredient in absinthe and vermouth, wormwood contains compounds that are toxic to wasps and other pests.
It grows best in sunny, dry areas with fast-draining soil. However, due to its toxicity, especially to children, it’s best suited for child-free gardens.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a versatile plant often used in cooking and traditional medicine.
But its most powerful feature in pest control is citronella oil, which it naturally produces.
The strong citrus aroma repels not only wasps but also mosquitoes, flies, and rodents, making lemongrass a multi-purpose defense against unwanted garden visitors.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees are known for their aromatic oil, commonly used to reduce inflammation and stress.
In the garden, their powerful scent is enough to keep wasps, mites, mosquitoes, and flies at bay.
This plant thrives in warm, humid climates and requires full sun.
Be cautious: eucalyptus oil is toxic if ingested, so avoid planting it where small children might play.
Thyme
Thyme is more than just a flavorful kitchen herb, it’s also a natural wasp deterrent.
The strong scent it emits when brushed or crushed confuses and repels flying pests, including wasps and mosquitoes.
It grows well in containers or beds, preferring dry soil and full sun.
Bonus: it’s drought-resistant and makes an excellent ground cover around patios or pathways.
Marigold
With their bright orange and yellow blooms, marigolds not only brighten up your garden, they also send wasps packing.
Their distinctive scent is unpleasant to many insects, including wasps.
Easy to grow and resistant to pests, marigolds do best in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
They’re also known to repel aphids and whiteflies, offering added protection for nearby plants.