12 Wasp & Yellow Jacket Repellent Plants To Grow

How often has it happened that you are enjoying some peaceful time in your garden and a pesky wasp or yellow jacket decides to ruin it? If they arrive in large numbers, what was once a peaceful getaway can quickly turn into a buzzing battleground. Luckily, there’s a natural solution to this problem – right in your garden!

By growing plants that repel insects, you can effectively repel these unwanted guests and keep your outdoors peaceful and enjoyable. So grab your gardening gloves and get ready to learn about 12 wasp and yellow jacket-repellent plants that will help you succeed in the struggle against these buzzing invaders.

Why Does My Garden Attract Yellow Jackets and Wasps?

Wasps and yellow jackets belong to the family Vespidae and are closely related, but they have distinct physical characteristics. A yellow jacket has a yellow and black striped abdomen, while a wasp has a narrow waist and slender body.

Both wasps and yellow jackets are attracted to gardens for various reasons. They are often drawn to the abundance of flowers for nectar, fruity scent, and bright colors, as well as to eat other insects for food. Furthermore, they also get attracted to human food and garbage, especially in early spring or during summer months when it is warm.

What Are Wasp Repellent Plants?

Do plants repel wasps and how do they keep wasps away? Plants can indeed help repel wasps through the release of strong scents or by containing compounds that the insects find unpleasant. These scents often act as deterrents, discouraging wasps from lingering in the vicinity of these plants. Some plants contain oils or compounds that mimic the pheromones of predators or competitors, which can also deter wasps. Additionally, certain plants may produce foliage that wasps find unappealing for nesting.

For example, herbs like mint, basil, and lemongrass emit strong scents that mask the attractants typically found in gardens, making the area less appealing to wasps. Other plants, such as marigolds and geraniums, produce odors that wasps find unattractive, acting as natural repellents. Similarly, the foliage of eucalyptus and wormwood contains compounds that can deter wasps. Here is a list of 12 plants that can help you stop these buzzing intruders from entering your garden:

#1 Peppermint

Growing peppermint in your garden can help prevent wasps and yellow jackets because of the strong scent of peppermint. Growing peppermint can give you added benefit to make a homemade peppermint tea and maintain a healthy gut. Consider planting peppermint near outdoor seating areas, picnic spots, or around the perimeter of the garden. To prevent peppermint from spreading aggressively in your garden, you can plant it in containers or use root barriers.

Crushed peppermint leaves, or peppermint oil can be used as a natural repellent. You can create a homemade spray by mixing peppermint essential oil with water and dish soap and spraying it around areas where wasps are a problem. However, be cautious with the concentration, as peppermint oil can be strong and may cause irritation to sensitive skin.

#2 Mint and Spearmint

Mint is an excellent option because most insects hate the smell of mint. Mint plants, including spearmint, produce a strong, refreshing scent that many insects, including wasps and yellow jackets, find unpleasant. Moreover, it is a versatile plant that can thrive in various growing conditions. You can plant mint in garden beds, containers, or even hanging baskets and place it around your outdoor space to maximize its effectiveness in repelling wasps and yellow jackets.

When using mint to deter stinging insects like wasps and hornets, it’s crucial to prioritize plant maintenance. Regular pruning is essential to promote plant health and the release of oils that enhance the potency of the mint aroma.

#3 Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus, with its amazing insect-repelling properties, can make your outdoor environment more pleasant. You can prevent pests from invading your garden by strategically planting eucalyptus trees around it. Eucalyptus trees emit a distinct, pungent odor that wasps and yellow jackets don’t like. The natural compounds found in eucalyptus leaves, such as cineole, contribute to the plant’s insect-repelling properties. These compounds interfere with the insects’ olfactory senses, making the environment less appealing to them.

Eucalyptus trees are generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and pruning. Monitoring eucalyptus tree size is essential to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper air circulation to maximize its efficacy. Moreover, just like mint spray, you can also use eucalyptus oil spray in your garden as an effective and eco-friendly way to keep wasps and yellow jackets.

#4 Lemongrass

Another plant well-known for its desirable insect-repelling qualities due to its strong scent is lemongrass. If you live in USDA zones 9-11 or warmer areas, you can use lemongrass as a natural way to keep wasps away. Lemongrass, originally from sunny and humid places like Sri Lanka, gives off a refreshing citrus smell that wasps don’t like. In these zones, you can leave lemongrass planted in the ground all year long, just adding some mulch for extra protection.

It’s an easy and effective way to repel wasps while enjoying the pleasant aroma of lemongrass in your garden. Hence, planting lemongrass in areas where you spend time outdoors, such as near patios, decks, or outdoor seating areas, can help create a natural barrier against these pests. You can also plant it among other garden plants to provide additional protection throughout your garden space.

#5 Basil

While humans might find the scent of basil delightful in a flavorful tomato sauce, bees and wasps are deterred by its fragrance. Basil is a versatile herb that can be grown from seed both indoors and outdoors. This is an excellent herb for pest management. By interplanting basil with other garden crops, you can help protect them from pests, including wasps and yellow jackets, which may fly away due to the presence of basil.

Optimal Conditions to Grow Basil: Basil thrives in warm, sunny conditions. Ensure your basil plants receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Additionally, basil prefers well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to rot. Make you avoid overwatering, as basil rots quickly in wet compost.

#6 Wormwood

Wormwood is the best plant for deterring wasps effectively. While it has a long history of medicinal use, particularly for aiding digestion and combating internal parasites, wormwood’s bitter taste and aromatic properties have also made it a popular ingredient in beverages like absinthe and vermouth.

Beyond its culinary and medicinal purposes, wormwood contains a substance known as absinthe, which is toxic to insects, including wasps. If a wasp detects the scent of wormwood, it’s likely to steer clear of the area. For optimal growth, wormwood needs exposure to full sun and well-drained soil. Providing these conditions will help ensure the health and growth of your wormwood plants, allowing them to thrive while naturally repelling wasps and yellow jackets from your garden.

#7 Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is another effective plant to ward off wasps and yellow jackets. This hardy perennial herb boasts vertical stems that produce successive bursts of blooms, creating a captivating display in any garden. Its potent minty aroma, stemming from its relation to the mint family, scares wasps from lingering around. Additionally, pennyroyal is known to repel flies and fleas, adding to its value as a garden asset.

Thriving in partial shade with moist soil, pennyroyal is a resilient herb. However, like mint, it grows rapidly and can become unruly, making container gardening a practical option. Important Note: It’s worth noting that pennyroyal oil is highly toxic if consumed, so it’s best to exercise caution before planting, especially if you have young children at home.

#8 Lavender

Lavender stands out as a versatile shrub with numerous uses, ranging from crafting soaps to enhancing laundry freshness, all thanks to its delightful fragrance. While humans appreciate its scent, most insects steer clear of lavender, making it an effective repellent. Planting lavender in your garden can create a natural barrier against these pests, making your outdoor space less inviting to them.

This resilient plant thrives in various climates, including dry regions, thanks to its tolerance for drought conditions. However, to flourish, lavender needs ample sunlight throughout the day. Furthermore, proper pruning techniques are essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your lavender plant. Make sure you know them to ensure your lavender blooms abundantly year after year.

#9 Marigolds

Marigolds are an excellent pick as plants to keep wasps away. French and American marigolds boast a robust, spicy aroma that effectively repels wasps, making them an excellent choice for your garden. With their vibrant orange-red blooms and dependable nature, these marigolds require minimal care and are perfect for planting along borders or near crops susceptible to pests and aphids.

Marigolds are classified as tender annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle within a single growing season, and you will need to regrow them after the last frost. They thrive in warm temperatures and prefer sunny locations, making them ideal for gardens in USDA Zones 2-11 during the warmer months. Easily grown from seed, these readily available plants can be kept flowering – and their wasp-repelling qualities maintained – by regularly deadheading spent blooms.

#10 Citronella Grass

Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a type of grass that is cultivated for its essential oil, which is extracted and used in various insect-repellent products, including candles, sprays, and lotions. Unlike its cousin lemongrass, this plant is not edible but is famous for its mosquitoes-repelling potential.

It has a strong citrus-like scent and is commonly found in tropical regions. Important to consider that citronella grass is a tropical plant that may not thrive in all climates. It requires warm temperatures and well-drained soil to grow successfully, which may not be suitable for all garden environments.

#11 Geraniums

Geraniums are popular flowering plants known for their vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage. While they are primarily grown for their ornamental value, certain varieties of geraniums possess insect-repelling properties due to the scent they emit. Geraniums are relatively easy to grow and can be planted directly in flower beds, containers, and hanging baskets. They prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight, although some varieties can tolerate partial shade.

The specific scent emitted by geraniums can vary depending on the variety, but it is often described as citrusy, floral, or spicy. This fragrance is derived from the essential oils present in the leaves and flowers of the plant, which contain compounds that can deter insects. While geraniums are not as potent in repelling insects as some other plants like mint or lavender with a strong scent, they still have some effectiveness against certain types of wasps and yellow jackets.

#12 Common thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) may not be as effective in deterring wasps and yellow jackets as other plants like mint, basil, or lavender, but it does emit a distinct aroma, which some insects find unappealing. Still, incorporating it with other insect-repellent plants can keep yellow jackets and other insects at bay.

Moreover, thyme does have other valuable qualities that make it a worthwhile addition to the garden. It’s a versatile herb with culinary uses, adding flavor to a variety of dishes. Thyme also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. Other than this, German chamomile and Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) are also preferred for their ability to repel many pests and bugs.

Want more tips for preventings wasps nesting on your property? Check out the following video!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Wasp Repellent Plants Completely Eliminate the Wasps?

While insect-repellent plant wasps hate the most, they don’t eliminate the presence of wasps in your garden. Wasps are attracted to various factors such as food sources and shelter to build nests. The effectiveness of repellent plants can vary depending on factors such as plant species, placement, and environmental conditions. Integrating multiple strategies for wasp control, including good garden hygiene practices and targeted trapping methods, may be necessary for optimal results.

Where Can I Find Plants that Repel Wasps?

Farmers’ markets often feature vendors selling several plants, including herbs and flowering plants. Visit your local farmers’ market to see if any vendors offer plants known for repelling wasps. You can also visit large home improvement stores that may have a selection of plants, including those with insect-repelling properties. Apart from nurseries and garden centers, many online retailers specialize in selling plants and garden supplies. You can explore their websites to find a wide range of plants, including those with insect-repelling qualities.

Why Should I Grow Plants that Repel Yellow Jackets?

Yellow jackets are aggressive insects that can sting repeatedly when they feel threatened. Their stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, ranging from mild irritation to severe allergic responses that require medical attention. By repelling yellow jackets from your outdoor spaces, you can reduce the risk of encountering these insects and minimize the chance of stings and allergic reactions.

What Are Other Methods to Repel Wasps and Yellow Jackets?

Besides plants, other materials such as wasp repellents, traps, or deterrent sprays can effectively prevent yellow jackets and wasps from ruining your outdoor party and picnic tables. Additionally, taking preventative measures, such as covering food and drinks outdoors and promptly cleaning up spills, can help reduce the attractiveness of outdoor areas to these pests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, growing wasp and yellow jacket-repellent plants is a natural and effective way to keep these buzzing invaders at bay while enjoying your outdoor spaces. From fragrant herbs like mint and thyme to beautiful flowers such as marigolds and geraniums, there are plenty of options to choose from.

So, whether you’re looking to create a peaceful backyard oasis or host parties in your garden without any unwanted guests, consider adding some of these plants to your garden. With a little bit of planning and planting them strategically, you can enjoy your outdoor events without disturbance from wasps and yellow jackets.