Well hello, fellow green thumbs! It’s that time of the year when we’re all itching to spend more time outdoors, hosting barbecues, garden parties, and basically doing anything to soak up the glorious sunshine.
There’s just one itsy bitsy problem – wasps! Yes, those pesky, picnic-ruining, fear-inducing insects. But wait, what if I told you that the solution to a wasp-free garden could be as simple as choosing the right plants? You heard that right!
There are plants out there that wasps find about as appealing as I find the idea of giving up chocolate – that is to say, not at all.
So, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on an epic journey to explore the top 18 wasp-repelling plants to grow in your garden. Let’s reclaim our outdoor spaces!
1. Mint:
Mint, beyond its culinary and cocktail mix-ins uses, is also an efficient wasp repellent. This hardy perennial is loved for its invigorating aroma, which wasps find overpowering.
Plant it around the garden, and not only will you keep those pesky wasps at bay, but you’ll also have a fragrant, green haven that’s perfect for relaxing in.
2. Wormwood:
This perennial plant from the Artemisia family has a strong, bitter smell that’s repugnant to wasps. Easy to grow and maintain, wormwood can be a great addition to your garden. Not to mention, its grey-green foliage and yellow flowers can provide an aesthetic edge to your green space.
3. Basil:
Apart from being a quintessential ingredient in many dishes, basil also doubles up as a wasp deterrent. The strong aroma that gives this herb its character is a turn-off for wasps. So, while you use it to enhance your pasta sauce, you’re also making your garden a no-fly zone for wasps.
4. Eucalyptus:
A native of Australia, the eucalyptus plant is admired for its refreshing aroma, which wasps detest. With their tall, evergreen presence and bluish-green leaves, these plants can be a striking addition to your garden landscape, while keeping wasps away.
5. Lemongrass:
Renowned for its citrusy scent, lemongrass is a natural wasp repellent. The plant contains citronella, a common ingredient in many insect repellents. This hardy plant is easy to grow and is an excellent choice for repelling wasps and other insects.
6. Marigolds:
Despite their attractive appearance, marigolds are remarkably effective at repelling wasps. The strong aroma that emanates from these vibrant flowers is repellent to wasps, making them a decorative and functional addition to your garden.
7. Citronella:
Citronella plants emit a potent smell that deters wasps. This low-maintenance, clumping grass-like perennial not only helps in keeping your garden wasp-free but also lends a pleasant aroma to your outdoor space.
8. Geraniums:
These gorgeous plants are not just admired for their beauty. They also produce a scent that wasps find offensive. Plant them in containers or flower beds around your patio or deck to create a wasp-free zone.
9. Pennyroyal:
A member of the mint family, pennyroyal is especially effective at deterring wasps. This plant has a robust, minty aroma that wasps find unbearable. Its small, lilac flowers also add a touch of color to your garden.
10. Rosemary:
This aromatic herb, apart from being a favorite for barbecuing, is a potent wasp deterrent. Its scent, pleasant to us, is unattractive to wasps. Grow it in pots or as hedging to keep your garden wasp-free.
11. Lavender:
While we enjoy the soothing aroma of lavender, it’s precisely this scent that repels wasps. With its beautiful purple blooms, lavender is a delightful addition to any garden, offering both visual and olfactory appeal.
12. Thyme:
This culinary herb also plays a dual role as a wasp deterrent. The smell of thyme is uninviting to wasps. Plus, it’s an easy-to-grow plant that’s perfect for garden borders or pathways.
13. Catnip:
Known for its effect on cats, catnip also works as a wasp deterrent. The oil within the plant is unappealing to wasps. This easy-to-grow perennial can be a perfect addition to a pet-friendly and wasp-free garden.
14. Peppermint:
Another member of the mint family, peppermint’s strong aroma is offensive to wasps. With its bright green leaves and purple flowers, it also adds an aesthetic touch to your garden.
15. Fennel:
While we enjoy fennel’s unique flavor, it turns out wasps do not share our taste. The plant’s strong aniseed smell keeps wasps away. It’s also a hardy perennial that’s easy to grow.
16. Pitcher Plant:
Unlike the others, the pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant that traps and digests wasps. Its deep, cup-like structure filled with sweet, sticky nectar lures wasps in, making them an unwilling meal for the plant.
17. Lemon Balm:
This plant, with its strong lemony scent, is a natural wasp deterrent. It’s a fast-growing, hardy perennial that’s resistant to drought, making it an easy-to-maintain addition to your wasp-free garden.
18. Chives:
These popular culinary herbs are also unattractive to wasps. The strong, onion-like aroma that chives produce can keep your outdoor space free from wasps. Plus, their attractive purple flowers can add a splash of color to your garden.
Wasp Repellent Tips
While these plants work wonders, remember, a well-rounded wasp management plan includes a few more strategies.
Maintain Garden Cleanliness:
An essential strategy to keep wasps away is maintaining cleanliness in your garden. Wasps are particularly attracted to sweet food and drink residues that may be left behind after parties or meals. Leaving such lures around can turn your garden into a hotspot for wasps.
Therefore, ensure that all leftover food and drinks are properly cleaned up and waste bins are securely covered. The tidier your garden is, the less inviting it will be for wasps.
Seal Off Potential Nesting Spots:
Wasps are always on the lookout for suitable places to build their nests. These places often include crevices, cracks, or holes in garden walls or sheds. By sealing off such potential nesting spots, you effectively deny them an opportunity to establish a colony in your garden.
Think of it as denying them a lease on their dream apartment. Regular inspection of your property can help identify and rectify these weak spots, deterring wasps from settling in.
Professional Pest Control Services:
If wasps pose a severe problem in your garden, you might need to consider seeking professional help. Pest control services have trained professionals who can thoroughly inspect your garden, identify any existing or potential wasp infestations, and apply appropriate treatments.
While the plants listed earlier can help deter wasps, they might not be enough to handle a significant infestation. A regular pest control schedule can ensure that your garden remains a safe and enjoyable space.
There you have it, folks – 18 plants that will send wasps packing faster than you can say “buzz off”. By introducing these plants into your garden, you can enjoy your outdoor activities without the uninvited, stinging guests.
So, let’s embrace nature’s own wasp repellents, and may your garden parties be wasp-free! Remember, nature is your friend – even when it comes with stingers.