15 Best Wasp Repellent Plants

Keeping wasps and yellow jackets out of your garden doesn’t have to be hard! Wasp Repellent Plants are a natural and easy way to keep your outdoor space peaceful while adding some beauty and fragrance. Plants like lavender, mint, and citronella not only help keep those pesky insects away but also bring colorful blooms and relaxing scents to your garden. Plus, they’re simple to grow and eco-friendly, so you can protect your space without using harsh chemicals.

Want to make your outdoor space wasp-free and more comfortable? Try these simple tips! Plant wasp-repelling plants around the spots where you hang out or eat. Their strong scents naturally keep wasps away.

Also, avoid leaving sweet foods or drinks uncovered—that’s a surefire way to attract them. For extra protection, light up some citronella candles or use essential oil diffusers. These wasp repellent tips can help you enjoy your outdoor space without any unwanted buzzing guests!

I’ve mentioned before how we actually do need wasps, as mean as they are. They eat pests that munch on our crops when no other bug will. I’d much rather have wasps do the job than pesticides, don’t you agree? But we sure don’t want the wasps flying around when we are eating in outdoor seating areas or playing with our kids. They are especially scary for those allergic to wasps.

For plants and flowers, wasps are beneficial insects that aid in pollination. Wasps also feed on insects that harm plants. Since they protect our crops, make ecosystems thrive, sustain fruit and flowers, and might help us fight disease, wasps are actually beneficial and crucial to this world but that doesn’t mean we have to welcome them into our yards!

Wasps are attracted to certain kinds of plants, so keeping these plants out of your yard is a good way to keep these insects away. 

What are Wasps?

Wasps are flying insects from the Hymenoptera order, with over 30,000 species out there. They come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from just a few millimeters to several centimeters, and their colors can be anything from classic black and yellow to metallic blue or green. Unlike bees, wasps have slim bodies with a narrow waist and don’t produce wax or honey. 

These social insects live in colonies with a clear hierarchy: a queen, workers, and drones. The queen lays the eggs, while the workers handle nest building, hunting for food, and taking care of the young. As for the drones, their main job is to mate with the queen during breeding season.

What are Some Ways to Repel Wasps?

Using plants to keep wasps away is a great natural method, but there are plenty of other tactics you can try too. Here are some ideas:

• Try essential oils: Just like plants, certain essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella can help deter wasps. Mix a few drops with water and spray it around areas where you’ve noticed wasps hanging out.  
• Hang fake nests: Wasps are super territorial and usually avoid spots where they think another colony already exists. You can hang up fake nests (you can buy them or make one with a brown paper bag) to keep them from settling in your space.  
• Cover food and drinks: Wasps love sweet and sugary stuff, so make sure to cover food and drinks when eating outside. This not only keeps them away but also prevents you from accidentally swallowing a wasp (ouch!).  
• Avoid wearing bright colors or floral prints: Wasps are drawn to bright colors and floral patterns—basically anything that might remind them of flowers. Keeping your outfit simple can lower the chances of attracting them.  
• Seal entry points: If wasps have built nests in your home before, it’s a good idea to seal up any gaps or cracks in doors, windows, walls, or areas around pipes and cables to keep them out.  
• Dispose of garbage properly: Wasps are big fans of garbage because it often has leftover food scraps. Make sure your trash is in a sealed bin, and clean up any spills or sticky spots to avoid attracting them.  

These tips should help you enjoy the outdoors without worrying about wasps taking over your space.

Can I use dried or potted versions of wasp repellent plants?

You can use both dried and potted wasp-repellent plants. Dried plants can be crushed or ground to release their natural oils, which help keep wasps away. Potted plants work too, as they naturally give off scents that deter wasps—just remember to water and care for them so they stay healthy and keep producing those scents.

Wasp repellent plants are an effective way to keep wasps away and avoid the hassle of unwanted wasp infestations. These plants naturally deter wasps by giving off strong scents that they don’t like, making it less likely for them to build nests nearby. Adding a mix of these plants to your herb garden and flower beds can help prevent infestations and create a more peaceful, wasp-free environment.

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Wormwood

Wormwood is an amazing herb with plenty of benefits for both your garden and your health. With its silvery-green leaves and pale yellow flowers, it’s a stunning addition to any flower bed. But wormwood isn’t just about looks—it’s also a natural insect repellent. Thanks to a compound called absinthe, which is toxic to insects, and its strong scent, it helps keep bees and wasps away.  

Peppermint

Wasps hate the smell of peppermint and will avoid it at all costs – it’s so overwhelming for their sensitive noses. The essential oils in mint plants have compounds that wasps find super unpleasant, so they tend to stay away from areas with that scent. It’s a natural repellent and an eco-friendly way to keep wasps away without relying on harsh chemicals.

Mint is one of the most known plants that repels almost any insect and bug including wasps. The reason behind this is because mint vapors a strong scent which is not appreciated by the wasps. You can plant the mint in pots and leave them in your garden close to your home.

– Jordan Foster, Fantastic Pest Control

Thyme

Thyme is a tough little herb that thrives on neglect, making it one of the easiest plants to grow—and a great natural way to keep wasps away. In fact, the less you fuss over it, the stronger it gets. For the best flavor and fragrance, plant thyme in dry, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Be careful not to overwater it—too much moisture can lead to root rot. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, then give it a deep soak to keep it happy and healthy.  

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a great natural wasp deterrent, thanks to its strong, aromatic essential oils. Wasps can’t stand the smell of eucalyptus, especially because of its high eucalyptol content, which makes them steer clear of nesting nearby. That’s why it’s such a popular choice for anyone wanting to protect their garden or outdoor spaces without using chemicals. Whether you plant eucalyptus trees or use eucalyptus oil in diffusers or sprays, you’ll create a wasp-free zone while also enjoying its fresh, invigorating scent.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a super fragrant herb that naturally keeps mosquitoes and wasps away—they can’t handle the strong smell. Make sure to water it regularly, especially in hot weather, and don’t let the soil dry out completely. If you’re growing lemongrass indoors, give it plenty of full sun—aim for at least 6 hours of direct light each day. It can totally thrive indoors, but you might notice it produces fewer stalks compared to outdoor plants. With the right care, lemongrass makes a practical, low-maintenance, and super useful addition to your garden!

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a delightful herb with rounded clusters of purple flowers and small, oval leaves on slender brown stems. Aside from looking great, it’s also a natural powerhouse for keeping pests like wasps, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and chiggers away, making it a top choice for pest control. If you’re starting from seed, keep in mind that pennyroyal needs light to germinate but grows quickly once it gets going. Simply sprinkle the seeds on the surface of prepared soil after the last frost, lightly mist to retain moist soil, and you should see sprouts within two weeks.

Marigold

Wasps can’t stand the smell of marigolds, making these bright, cheerful flowers a simple and natural way to keep them away. Not only do marigolds repel wasps, but they also help keep other bugs like mosquitoes at bay, thanks to their natural insect-repelling powers. They don’t just hide the scent of prey that wasps rely on to hunt—they’re naturally effective at keeping pests away, making them a great addition to any outdoor area.

Ruta Graveolens

This tough little herb grows about 2 feet tall and has oil glands that give off a strong, sharp smell. Most insects—and even some animals—can’t stand it, making rue a fantastic natural repellent. It’s not just great for wasps either; it also helps keep flies away from trash bins, fleas off your pets, and fruit flies off your trees. Hang dried rue leaves in your pantry, closet, or wardrobe to keep pests like cockroaches, moths, and silverfish away.

Pitcher Plants

Pitcher plants are amazing carnivorous plants that get most of their nutrients from the insects they eat. Instead of repelling bugs with scent like many other plants, they actually attract them with their bright, colorful flowers. Once an insect lands, the surface is so slippery that it slides right into a pool of water inside the plant. There, it drowns, giving the pitcher plant the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive.

Cucumber Plant

Cucumber peels have a natural bitter scent that keeps wasps and bees away. Planting cucumbers in your garden or leaving the peels where wasps hang out can help keep those pests under control. Plus, cucumber plants are super low-maintenance, making them perfect for small gardens.

Red Geranium

Red geraniums are loved for their bold, vibrant color, but they can also help keep wasps and hornets away. Their scent is thought to repel many stinging insects, and since they don’t produce pollen, they’re less likely to attract these pests in the first place.

Basil

Basil plants are a great plant to keep wasps away naturally. The strong scent of basil keeps them from sticking around. Planting basil near outdoor seating areas or along garden borders creates a natural barrier that helps keep wasps at bay. 

Citronella

Citronella oil is famous for keeping mosquitoes away, but did you know it also works on wasps and bees? The same sweet smell we love to use against mosquitoes also works as a wasp repellent. The scent of citronella mimics the pheromones some wasps release to signal danger. When they pick up on the strong smell from the citronella plant, they think there’s a threat nearby and instinctively fly off. 

Clove

Its strong, spicy smell overwhelms the wasps sense of smell, so they’ll steer clear of the area. You can use whole cloves by putting them in small bowls around your outdoor spaces or make a clove-infused spray to apply on surfaces. Some people even mix cloves with other essential oils like peppermint or lemon to make it even stronger. Plus, this method not only keeps wasps away but also leaves your space smelling warm and inviting!

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a great natural way to keep wasps away. This leafy herb has a strong citrusy smell that messes with their sense of smell and keeps them at a distance. You can plant lemon balm around your garden or patio to create a natural barrier against wasps. Or, for an extra boost, crush some fresh leaves and rub them on surfaces or put them in small containers. Not only does it help deter wasps, but it also adds a nice, refreshing scent to your outdoor space!

“These are the tested and proven herbs and flowers you can try to repel wasps. Even though they will minimize the presence of the stingers, it won’t guarantee that wasps will be gone forever. You might still spot one or two here and there as they might have built nest somewhere close to the garden but far from the plants,” says Foster of Fantastic Pest Control.

He goes on to say, “This is why we always recommend hiring a professional wasp exterminators as they will detect the nest and treat it properly. This way wasps will not have a reason to be around the garden or your house, and will build their nest somewhere else.”

Adding natural wasp-repellent plants to your garden or outdoor space is an easy, eco-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors without dealing with pesky wasps. By going for these natural options, you can create a peaceful, inviting environment without using harsh chemicals, keeping things safer for both people and wildlife.