Sweet lemonade, a piece of delicious pastry and hearty barbecues are also popular with wasps. As insect hunters and scavengers, they provide an important service to the environment. However, if there are too many of them, the uninvited guests can be annoying when drinking coffee or having a barbecue in summer. Children in particular usually try to chase the wasps away with frantic movements. The wasps feel attacked by this and can become aggressive. To prevent a painful wasp sting, we give you tips on how to repel wasps naturally with these seven plants.
1. lavender repels wasps
The essential oils in lavender give off an intense scent and signal to the wasp: there’s nothing for you to eat here. A great advantage of lavender is that it blooms at wasp time. It opens its flowers from mid-July and repels the pests when placed on the patio or balcony table. A strongly scented variety such as true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is best.
2. tomato fence against wasps
Wasps run away from the characteristic scent of tomato leaves. Tomato leaves are a household remedy against mosquitoes and other insects. You can take advantage of this effect and place a single plant near the patio. Several tomato plants have the best effect when planted next to each other to form a kind of wasp fence. A nice side effect: you can snack on fresh tomatoes while sitting at the table.
3. peppermint can’t stand wasps
The menthol-containing scents of peppermint do not appeal to wasps. You can place individual sprigs in a vase on the table or add a few leaves to your drink. Polei mint (Mentha pulegium) is particularly effective at repelling wasps. This native variety is not suitable for consumption and was once used as a disinfectant. Its fragrance is appreciated by everyone – except wasps.
4. scented geraniums put wasps to flight
Geraniums have developed a fragrant method of defense: The strong-smelling leaves protect the plant from pests. Wasps are also driven away by the aromas of scented geraniums. You can choose between varieties that smell of lemon (‘Lemon Fancy’), orange (‘Prince of Oranges’), peppermint (‘Joy Lucille’) or even cola (‘Torento’). Choose your favorite scent – and the wasps will stay away!
5. wasps take flight with lemon balm
The same applies to lemon balm as to peppermint: wasps don’t like the menthol-like scent. The subtle scent is released by rubbing the leaves and stems of lemon balm. Add lemon balm or mint leaves to your lemonade or cocktail. Rub the leaves on your hands and wrists. Every time you move, you will release the scent and the wasps will not fly near you.
6. marigolds don’t like wasps
Marigolds (Calendula officinalis) are a pretty wasp repellent. The orange-colored flowers exude a pleasant scent for humans. But wasps see it differently: they avoid the easy-to-cultivate flowers. Sow marigolds in a box and place the blooming flowers near food.
7. wasps seek the distance with rosemary
The following applies to rosemary: the higher the proportion of essential oils in the variety, the more effectively the herb repels wasps. This works best if the scent is stronger than that of the barbecue food or sweet lemonade. It is best to place dried rosemary sprigs – also in combination with lavender – on the table. This is decorative and effective.
