If you love gardening, then the bee is truly a blessing to your garden. They are crucial for pollination and any type of plant- be it vegetable, flower or herb. Their occasional sting may seem unappealing at first but they provide us with valuable honey in return! But what about wasps – do we have to put up with them?
The wasp is one of the most divisive creatures in a garden. Their benefits are plentiful, but their drawbacks make them less than desirable for those who find themselves with an allergy to stings. Many gardeners have been desperately trying to find ways to keep pesky wasps away from their crops.
Fortunately, there are 15 plants that serve as a natural repellent for these flying pests! Did you know that even certain smells can deter them? Get ready with your gardening gloves and head out on the quest of keeping those bugs at bay this season.
1. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees are a species of tree that can be found around the world in zones 7a through 10. Their hardy nature and strong essential oils make them effective at repelling wasps, making it great for outdoor spaces like patios or gardens.
2. Citronella
Citronella is a powerful insect repellent. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it requires well-draining soil in zone 8 through 12. Citronella oil has been used for centuries as an all natural remedy to keep unwanted insects away from humans!
3. Trumpet Flowers
For the gardener who is tired of getting stung, trumpet flowers offer a rare opportunity to add beauty and color without attracting more wasps. These plants have an unusual shape that bees find difficult to extract nectar from, so it’s safe for those with bee allergies or people looking for a little extra peace in their garden!
You can plant these colorful beauties next time you need some inspiration on what flower should go where – they’re perfect all-arounders!
4. Geraniums
Geraniums are both beautiful and functional. They can be used to get rid of wasps if you plant them in an area that gets at least four hours of sunlight during the day, but they also work as a preventive measure against bees when planted outside where they prefer to grow.
Bringing these flowers indoors is easy for those who live in colder climates because geraniums will continue growing inside just like any other flower!
5. Cloves
Cloves are known for their strong and spicy fragrance, so they’re the perfect solution if you want to keep wasps away from your garden. You can plant a few clove plants or just sprinkle some whole cloves around your garden; either way will work!
6. Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular plant in many gardens as they add color and beauty. The only drawback is that marigolds attract some bees, but it won’t be the honeybees you’re looking for! Marigold flowers will not appeal to wasps so there’s nothing else worrying about!
These plants can easily grow on their own with little work from you – just give them sunlight and water every day. You can use these colorful blooms both during planting or when harvesting because of their medicinal value.
7. Thyme
Thyme is a wonderful herb that can also prevent irritating pests. It adds great flavor to your dinner plate and it keeps wasps at bay too! Thyme grows best in hot, sunny locations with well-draining soil.
Plant thyme during the spring season because once established, this herb will grow for many years thereafter as long as its given proper care.
8. Basil
Basil plants are the perfect plant for any gardener! They can be grown from seed or picked up as a pot to grow indoors. Basil is perennial in some warmer climates, but it’s only able to keep around for one season where you live.
9. Garlic
Garlic is not just good for your health, it can also help repel pesky insects. This strong-smelling plant’s aroma often drives wasps and other pests away in no time!
10. Wormwood
Wormwood, or artemisia, is a powerful insecticide and can be grown to repel pests. It has been used for centuries as an effective deterrent against insects that may ravage crops in gardens of all sizes.
Growing wormwood both dried and live provide the same benefits because it grows easily with stable temperatures from zones 4-8.
11. Mint
You might love the scent of mint, but most insects hate it. That includes wasps! Whether you plant in your garden or on a balcony, this herb is known to take over any area and will come back year after year.
Just be careful where you plant it – Mint can grow anywhere from pots with rich soil (in full sun) to shady patches near sidewalks that need some freshening up-and easy ways for bugs including bees and butterflies to find their way into your home!
12. Cucumber
Cucumbers are the perfect addition to any summer salad, but they seem to be universally hated by wasps and bees. Not only do these insects not like their bitterness and acidity in peels, but cucumber plants can also be grown for them or just set out as a trap wherever they infest – both of which work well.
13. Pitcher Plant
While many plants have developed a taste for wasps, the pitcher plant goes about it in an entirely different way. The slippery surface of this flower acts as its killer-slide and when these pesky insects slide into water inside, they are quickly drowned to death!
There are many things to consider when caring for pitcher plants, if you want them alive and healthy. Filtered or bottled water is not a good idea because the minerals in these types of water can harm your plant since it’s evolved to obtain its nutrients from captured insects that contain natural minerals themselves. They also need high heat and full sunlight!
14. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a plant that can be helpful in repelling wasps. It survives year-round and has an enticing aroma, but for some reason wasps seem to hate it! Lemongrass grows best with plenty of sun exposure.
15. Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal smells like mint. It is a great option for containers or other confined growing spaces and can be grown outside in warmer climates as well! Pennyroyal will need to be watered often so it doesn’t dry out, but if you take care of this plant properly, the result should smell delightful!
How to Keep Wasps Out of the Garden
A garden can be a beautiful place, but sometimes pests like wasps are attracted to it. Fortunately, there are some plants that will help keep the pesky insects away from your flowers and vegetables!
Although they cannot totally rid of them for you (sorry), planting these options will at least provide an extra layer of protection against any other pest who may have been looking to ruin your day. If you’re going to plant flowers, why not mix it up a little with some plants that don’t flower?
Planting evergreens will help prevent bees from being harmed by stinging insects and there’s no concern about pesticides harming pollinators. Use these 15 plants to get rid of pesky wasps. You’ll be happy without using harsh chemicals!
