What To Plant To Keep Wasps Away – A Complete Gardener’S Guide To A

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

There’s nothing quite like relaxing on your patio on a warm summer day, a cool drink in hand, surrounded by the beautiful garden you’ve worked so hard to create. But then you hear it… that low, angry buzz. Suddenly, your peaceful retreat is hijacked by a persistent, aggressive wasp, and relaxation turns into a game of swat-and-dodge.

I know the feeling all too well. It’s frustrating when these uninvited guests ruin your outdoor enjoyment. But what if I told you that the solution isn’t in a chemical spray, but right there in your garden soil? You can create a beautiful, fragrant, and surprisingly effective shield against these pests.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly what to plant to keep wasps away. We’ll explore powerful herbs and stunning flowers that wasps simply can’t stand, and I’ll share my best tips for planting them strategically. Get ready to reclaim your garden and turn it into the buzz-free sanctuary you deserve.

Why Use Plants to Deter Wasps? The Eco-Friendly Approach

Before we dig in, let’s talk about why this method is so fantastic. Choosing plants over chemical pesticides is a win for you, your garden, and the environment. This is the heart of a sustainable what to plant to keep wasps away strategy.

First, it’s important to acknowledge that wasps aren’t pure villains. In the broader ecosystem, they are beneficial predators, controlling garden pests like aphids and caterpillars, and they even play a role in pollination. Our goal isn’t to eliminate them, but to gently and naturally encourage them to keep their distance from our homes, patios, and play areas.

The benefits of what to plant to keep wasps away are numerous:

  • Safety First: You avoid spraying potentially harmful chemicals where your children, pets, and guests relax and play.
  • Beauty and Function: These plants don’t just repel pests; they add color, texture, and wonderful aromas to your garden beds and containers.
  • Supports Biodiversity: An eco-friendly what to plant to keep wasps away approach invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies (who aren’t bothered by these plants) while discouraging wasps.
  • Low Maintenance: Many of the plants on our list are hardy, drought-tolerant, and incredibly easy to grow. Don’t worry—these are perfect for beginners!

The Best Aromatic Herbs to Plant to Keep Wasps Away

Many of the herbs we love for their culinary and aromatic properties are deeply offensive to wasps. Their powerful essential oils overwhelm wasps’ sensitive antennae, sending them buzzing in the other direction. Here are my top herbal champions.

Spearmint & Peppermint (Mentha)

If you plant only one thing, make it mint. Wasps, along with many other pests, despise the strong, clean scent of spearmint and peppermint. It’s incredibly effective and wonderfully fragrant.

Pro Gardener Tip: Mint is notoriously aggressive and will spread like wildfire in a garden bed. To prevent a mint takeover, always plant it in a container. You can then place these pots strategically around your deck, patio, or near doorways.

Thyme, especially Lemon Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is a tough, low-growing herb that releases a lovely scent when its leaves are brushed against or warmed by the sun. Lemon thyme, in particular, has a citrusy note that wasps find unpleasant. It’s a fantastic, drought-tolerant groundcover or a “spiller” in a container arrangement.

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Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

This is the plant that gives us citronella oil, the famous natural insect repellent. Lemongrass is a beautiful, ornamental grass with a powerful lemony scent. It thrives in full sun and loves heat, making it a perfect patio plant for the summer months. Plant it in a large pot as a stunning—and functional—centerpiece.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Good news for pizza and pasta lovers! The sweet, peppery scent of basil that we find so delightful is a major turn-off for wasps and houseflies. Keep a pot of basil on your outdoor dining table for easy access in the kitchen and to keep pests away from your meal.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

With its gorgeous, silvery-green foliage, wormwood is a striking addition to any garden. It contains a substance called absinthin, which has a pungent scent that repels a wide range of pests, including wasps, flies, and even mice. It’s a great choice for a border plant to create a protective barrier.

Stunning Flowers That Double as Wasp Repellents

Who says pest control can’t be beautiful? These flowering plants prove that you can add vibrant color to your garden while simultaneously telling wasps to buzz off. This is a core part of any good what to plant to keep wasps away guide.

Marigolds (Tagetes)

Marigolds are a classic in the pest-repellent garden for a reason. They have a distinct, pungent smell that deters wasps, nematodes in the soil, and other unwanted visitors. They are incredibly easy to grow from seed, thrive on sunshine, and come in cheerful shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium)

While standard geraniums are lovely, the scented varieties are your secret weapon. Look for lemon-scented, rose-scented, or peppermint-scented geraniums. When their leaves are rustled by the wind or touched, they release a fragrant oil that wasps dislike. They are perfect for hanging baskets and containers near seating areas.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and is one of the most potent insect-repelling plants you can find. It’s a low-growing plant that works well as a groundcover. However, a word of caution is essential here: pennyroyal can be toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so plant it with care and keep it away from areas where pets or small children play.

Strategic Planting: A Guide on How to What to Plant to Keep Wasps Away

Knowing what to plant is half the battle; knowing how and where to plant it is what makes the strategy truly effective. Follow these what to plant to keep wasps away best practices for maximum impact.

Create a Perimeter of Protection

Think like a fortress builder. Plant a border of wasp-repelling plants around the areas you use most. This could be around the edges of your patio, along a deck railing, or beneath the windows of your home. Marigolds and wormwood are excellent for creating these defensive lines.

Use Container Gardening for Mobility and Control

Container gardening is your best friend in this mission. Planting herbs like mint and pennyroyal in pots prevents them from spreading uncontrollably. It also allows you to place your “repellent stations” exactly where you need them most—right next to the grill, by the back door, or surrounding your favorite lounge chair.

Companion Planting in the Veggie Patch

Wasps can also be a nuisance in your vegetable garden, especially later in the season. Weave repellent plants like basil, thyme, and marigolds among your tomato and pepper plants. This not only protects you while you’re harvesting but can also help deter other vegetable pests.

Common Problems with What to Plant to Keep Wasps Away (And How to Solve Them)

Even with the best intentions, you might run into a few snags. Don’t get discouraged! Here are some common problems with what to plant to keep wasps away and my simple solutions.

Problem: “My plants don’t seem to be working!”

Solution: This often comes down to density and other attractants. A single, small mint plant on a large patio won’t be enough. Group several repellent plants together to create a more powerful scent zone. Also, check for other things that attract wasps, like open trash cans, sugary spills from drinks, or pet food left outside.

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Problem: “My mint is taking over my entire garden!”

Solution: This is a classic rookie mistake, but easily fixed! The best solution is prevention: plant aggressive spreaders like mint and pennyroyal in containers. If they’ve already escaped, you’ll need to be diligent about digging them out, ensuring you get all the roots.

Problem: “My repellent plants look sad and aren’t growing well.”

Solution: A stressed plant won’t produce as many essential oils. Refer to a simple what to plant to keep wasps away care guide: ensure your plants are getting the right amount of sun and water. Most of the herbs on this list, like thyme and wormwood, love full sun and well-drained soil. Lemongrass needs consistent moisture. A happy plant is a powerful plant!

Frequently Asked Questions About Wasp-Repellent Plants

Do these plants actually kill wasps?

No, and that’s the beauty of this natural approach. These plants don’t kill wasps. They simply produce strong scents that wasps find offensive, encouraging them to find a more pleasant place to hang out, far away from you.

How many plants do I need for them to be effective?

More is generally better. Instead of one isolated plant, aim for clusters or groups of plants. For a standard patio, having 3-5 well-placed containers with a mix of herbs and flowers can make a significant difference. The goal is to create overlapping zones of scent.

Are all of these plants safe for my pets and children?

Most are, but you should exercise caution with a few. As mentioned, pennyroyal and wormwood can be toxic if ingested. Always research a plant before introducing it to an area where pets or curious toddlers play. Plants like basil, thyme, and spearmint are generally very safe.

Can I just use essential oils from these plants instead?

You can! A diffuser with peppermint or lemongrass oil can provide temporary relief. However, the benefit of having live plants is that they provide a constant, self-renewing source of repellent scent without you having to do anything.

Your Buzz-Free Garden Awaits

You don’t have to surrender your beautiful outdoor spaces to aggressive, buzzing intruders. By being a little strategic and choosing the right plants, you can create a garden that is not only gorgeous and fragrant but also a natural fortress against wasps.

Remember to layer your defenses with a mix of herbs and flowers, use containers to your advantage, and place them where they’ll do the most good. This is more than just gardening; it’s about crafting an environment where you can truly relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor in peace.

So grab your trowel and a few of these fragrant champions. Your journey to a peaceful, buzz-free oasis starts today. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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