Looking to keep wasps away from your garden or balcony this summer? You don’t need harsh chemicals to get some peace and quiet. Certain plants give off scents that we find lovely, but wasps absolutely hate.
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++Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
The fresh, citrusy scent of lemon balm is a favorite for many gardeners, but it’s a major turn-off for wasps. Keep a pot of this nearby, and wasps will usually give your patio a wide berth. The best part? It’s a multi-tasking herb that tastes great in teas and summer dishes. It thrives best in a spot protected from the wind, making a sunny balcony the perfect home for it.
++Marigolds (Calendula officinalis)
If you’d rather use flowers than herbs to deter pests, Marigolds (specifically Calendula) are a fantastic choice. These beauties produce vibrant yellow and orange blooms all season long. They aren’t just pretty faces, either; they’ve been used for centuries in healing salves for skin care and can even be brewed into a soothing tea.
++Mint (Mentha)
Mint is another heavy hitter when it comes to repelling wasps. They can’t stand the intense aroma of the leaves and will generally avoid areas where it’s growing. It’s a kitchen staple for drinks and cooking, but to keep those leaves lush and plentiful, make sure you keep the soil consistently moist. Mint loves a sunny, sheltered spot where it can really soak up the rays.
++Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum)
Believe it or not, tomato plants are quite efficient at warding off wasps. It’s all down to that distinct, earthy smell of the foliage—you’ll recognize it instantly if you’ve ever rubbed a leaf between your fingers. Since the repelling power comes from the leaves and not the fruit, even small varieties like cherry tomatoes work perfectly for keeping your seating area wasp-free.
++Catnip (Nepeta)
Catnip is famous for its strong scent, and while it might not be your first choice for cooking, it looks gorgeous in the garden with purple flowers that resemble lavender. It’s incredibly low-maintenance and isn’t picky about soil quality. Fun fact: while wasps hate the smell, it triggers “happy hormones” in cats, making it a win-win for feline owners!
++Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary is another aromatic herb that wasps find repulsive due to its high essential oil content. Interestingly, while it keeps wasps away, it’s actually quite popular with beneficial wild bees. It’s a great way to be “bee-friendly” while being “wasp-unfriendly.” Plus, rosemary is hardy and easy to grow, even if you don’t have a ton of gardening experience.
++English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is the classic choice for pest control. The secret is in the essential oils, so you’ll want to pick a variety with a high oil content. English Lavender is the gold standard here. Its stunning purple spikes are beloved by gardeners worldwide, and you can even use the dried buds for baking or making sachets.
++Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
If you’re looking for a “pro tip” plant, try Wormwood. This plant features specialized oil glands that release a very specific scent that wasps can’t stand. It grows from a rhizome, which means once it gets established, it spreads quite well and fills in gaps in your garden beds beautifully.