Even though our human sense of smell isn’t exactly world-class, we can easily pick up the lovely scent of a scented geranium. Wasps, on the other hand, have an incredible sense of smell. They can catch a whiff of these plants from a mile away. The real question is: do they find that scent inviting, or does it send them packing?
Scented Geraniums Are Packed with Essential Oils
It’s not just us humans who deal with uninvited guests; plants get pestered by tiny critters, too. To fight back, they produce essential oils as a natural defense mechanism. These oils are bad news for pests, who usually recognize the smell and head for the hills. This gives us plenty of hope that the old gardening tip about using scented geraniums to repel wasps is actually true!
Pro Tip:
When you prune your scented geraniums, don’t toss those clippings! You can easily use them to propagate new plants. Plus, the leaves and shoots are actually edible and taste great in the kitchen.
Wasps Have Different Taste in Perfume
Depending on which variety of scented geranium you have, these South African natives (botanically known as *Pelargonium*) can give off all sorts of different aromas. You can find varieties that smell like lemon, rose, woodruff, or even pine needles. There’s a scent for every human preference, and most people find them delightful. Wasps, however, aren’t fans. In fact, they pretty much avoid these plants entirely—especially the lemon and pine-scented varieties like “Mosquito Fighter,” “Lemon Fancy,” or “Royal Oak.”
How to Use Geranium Scents Effectively
Even a geranium that isn’t blooming can be an effective tool against wasps—and they work against mosquitoes, too! It’s the leaves, not the flowers, that hold those potent essential oils. To keep the wasps from crashing your patio party, you just need to place the plants strategically so the scent is nice and strong where you need it.
- Plant your scented geraniums close to where you hang out.
- Use them as a “border” around your balcony or patio.
- Place them near entrances to your home.
- Set them on windowsills to keep bugs from flying inside.
Pro Tip:
If you want an extra boost of protection, rub a leaf or two between your fingers. This releases even more essential oils and ramps up the wasp-repelling power for a few hours.
Mixing Geraniums with Other Plants
You can easily plant geraniums alongside other flowers that share the same sun and care requirements. If mosquitoes are a constant headache, don’t just pick your favorite colors—choose companion plants that also pull double duty as natural repellents. Lavender, thyme, rosemary, and basil are all great teammates for your geraniums.
