In the garden, wasps are actually incredibly helpful little neighbors. But let’s be real—most of us see them as more of a “frenemy” at best. Their stings are painful, and for anyone with an allergy, they’re downright dangerous. It’s no surprise that nobody cheers when a wasp starts circling the picnic table. The solution? It’s time to put some fragrant herbs to work!
Keep it Friendly: Don’t Harm the Wasps
Before we get into the “how-to,” it’s important to remember that wasps are actually protected by law in many places because they play such a huge role in our ecosystem. You aren’t allowed to disturb, harm, or kill them, no matter how many have decided to move into your backyard. Since extermination is off the table, our best bet is to politely nudge them to hang out elsewhere. With the right herbs, you can create a natural “no-fly zone” that keeps them away from your living spaces.
Wasps Aren’t Fans of Strong Herbal Scents
Wasps have an incredible sense of smell. They likely pick up on herbal aromas much more intensely and from much further away than we do. The best part? They happen to hate the scents that we usually love! Using herbs to deter wasps doesn’t feel like a chore at all—it just gives you a great excuse to clear some space for a few new plants. Your best weapons are aromatic Mediterranean herbs and anything with a citrusy kick.
Mediterranean Herbs to the Rescue
If you have Mediterranean perennial herbs growing nearby, wasps will usually give the area a wide berth. It doesn’t really matter if you plant them in balcony boxes, pots, or a herb spiral; these four are total game-changers:
- Basil
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Thyme
The Power of Citrus Scents
Lemon balm, lemongrass, and lemon verbena are fantastic natural wasp repellents. Again, it’s all about those essential oils. Lemon verbena is the heavyweight champion here—it has the most intense scent and is arguably the most effective “wasp herb” you can grow. Plus, all three of these are delicious additions to your summer kitchen!
Strategic Placement is Key
All the herbs I mentioned smell wonderful, but to get the best results, you need to place them right where you want to hang out. Think about lining your patio with them, growing them on the balcony, or keeping a pot on the windowsill. Potted herbs are especially great because they’re mobile—you can move them right to the center of the garden table when you’re serving lunch outside.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to walk through a part of the garden where wasps are active, try picking a few basil leaves, crushing them in your hands, and rubbing them on your skin. It’s a great natural way to keep both wasps and mosquitoes at bay!
