To keep wasps away, several effective natural methods and repellents can be used:
- Essential oils and scents: Wasps dislike the smell of peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass, citronella, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, thyme, bay leaves, and pennyroyal. Mixing essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium with water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle and applying it to areas where wasps nest can repel them effectively
- Plants that repel wasps: Growing plants such as spearmint, peppermint, thyme, eucalyptus, wormwood, basil, bay leaves, citronella grass, marigolds, geraniums, and pennyroyals near your home or outdoor areas can deter wasps from settling nearby
- Seal entry points: Closing gaps, cracks, and holes around your home, including under eaves, siding, and near foundations, prevents wasps from building nests in these protected spots
- Remove attractants: Wasps are attracted to food sources like uncovered garbage, compost, sugary drinks, and fallen fruit. Keeping trash cans tightly sealed, cleaning up fallen fruit, and covering food and drinks outdoors reduce wasp attraction
- Use fake wasp nests: Hanging a fake wasp nest can deter wasps because they are territorial and avoid areas that appear already claimed by other colonies
- Soap and water spray: For small nests, spraying a mixture of dish soap and water can suffocate wasps by blocking their breathing pores
- Avoid drinking from open cans outdoors and keep food covered during picnics to prevent attracting wasps
These combined strategies create an environment that is uncomfortable and unattractive to wasps, helping keep them away from your home and outdoor spaces
