Wasps can actually be quite helpful when it comes to pollination and keeping pests in check, but let’s be honest – they can also become a real pain, or even dangerous, when they take over your garden. Luckily, there are plenty of natural ways to keep them at a distance without harming the environment.
Here are 10 eco-friendly ways to naturally deter wasps:
Plant Wasp-Repelling Herbs and Flowers
Wasps aren’t fond of strong scents, so why not grow some herbs that double as pest deterrents? Think mint, basil, thyme, and eucalyptus. On top of that, marigolds, geraniums, and wormwood are great options too, thanks to their strong, pungent fragrances.
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Use Essential Oils
If you love the idea of using essential oils, this one’s for you. Oils like peppermint, clove, lemongrass, and citronella naturally repel wasps. Just mix a few drops of your chosen oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around areas where wasps like to gather, such as your outdoor seating spots, doorways, or along the edges of your garden.
Create a Decoy Nest
Wasps are super territorial, and they’ll usually steer clear if they think another colony has already claimed the area. Hanging a fake wasp nest in your garden can keep them from setting up shop. You can easily find decoy nests online or make one yourself using a brown paper bag stuffed with more paper to mimic a nest.
Use Cucumber Slices
Who knew cucumbers weren’t just for salads? Turns out, they can help repel wasps too. Place slices around your garden, especially in areas where you’ve noticed a lot of wasp activity. The acidity in cucumbers releases a scent that wasps just can’t stand.
Install Bird Feeders
Some birds, like wrens and chickadees, love snacking on wasps. By attracting these feathered friends with bird feeders, you can help control the wasp population in your garden. Just be sure to place the feeders away from your outdoor dining areas – you don’t want to invite birds and wasps to the same party!
Hang Cloves or Garlic
Wasps really dislike the smell of cloves and garlic. Hanging bundles of garlic or cloves around the garden can work wonders in keeping them away. You can also scatter some crushed cloves around problem areas for extra protection.
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Avoid Sweet Scents and Bright Colours
If you’re trying to keep wasps away, it’s best to avoid sweet-smelling foods, drinks, and even fragrant plants like roses in your garden hangout areas. And while you’re at it, skip the bright, floral patterns in your gardening outfits – wasps are attracted to those, too!
Seal Trash Bins Tightly
Wasps often flock to trash bins in search of food, so be sure to keep your bins tightly sealed and regularly emptied. If you can, position them a bit further away from your outdoor living areas.
Use Vinegar Traps
Vinegar is a handy tool for keeping wasps at bay. Mix apple cider vinegar, sugar, and dish soap in a bowl, then place it away from your seating areas. The scent draws the wasps in, but once they land in the mixture, they can’t escape.
Keep Fruit Trees and Fallen Fruit Managed
Wasps are all about sweet, sugary juices, so if you have fruit trees in your garden, make sure to regularly pick ripe fruits and clean up any fallen ones. This reduces the food sources that could be attracting them.
By using these natural methods, you’ll be able to enjoy a wasp-free garden without harming the environment. A bit of planning and a few easy steps are all you need to reclaim your outdoor space – minus the buzzing!
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A version of this article was first published in Garden&Home Magazine.
