Avoiding Wasps' Favorite Scents: Strategies to Keep Them Away from Your Garden and Home, Recommended by Pest Specialists
In the latest expert advice, Daniel Stewart from Shield Pest Control suggests using peppermint oil, basil, and incense sticks as natural repellents against wasps. These non-toxic, humane methods can help keep wasps away from homes, patios, and dining tables.
Peppermint oil, with its strong and confusing scent, is known to repel wasps. Soak cotton balls with peppermint oil and place them around areas where wasps are unwanted, such as under bin liners or near windows. This simple trick can effectively deter wasps and other bugs [4].
Basil, not just a popular seasoning, is also a pest deterrent. Basil plants give off scents like linalool and estragole, which confuse wasps [2]. Growing basil plants around your patio or placing dried basil leaves near windows can help keep wasps away. Alternatively, use fresh basil indoors or hang dried bundles near windows or doors to release essential oils that confuse and repel wasps trying to enter the home [5].
Incense sticks, such as the Incognito Incense Sticks, can also be used to deter wasps. The scent of smoke is unpleasant for wasps, and lighting incense sticks can help reduce the number of wasps [3]. Incognito Incense Sticks are available for £6.99 on Amazon [6].
Seeds for basil cost just 99p at Suttons, making it an affordable option for those looking to grow their own wasp deterrent. Three pots of basil can be purchased for £15.99 at B&Q [7].
Clove oil is another effective repellent. Mix clove oil with water to create a spray. Apply this spray on outdoor furniture legs, chair undersides, or parasols. Wasps dislike the smell, but it remains pleasant for humans [1].
Eucalyptus and lemon oils are also effective for making repellent sprays. Plants like rosemary or mint can be used similarly to basil for natural wasp deterrence [1][5].
Kezia Reynolds joined the team as News Writer in September 2024, bringing her expertise to this article.
[1] Daniel Stewart, Pest Expert at Shield Pest Control, suggests using clove oil as a natural repellent against wasps. [2] Basil gives off scents like linalool and estragole, which confuse wasps. [3] Wasps dislike the smell of smoke, and lighting incense sticks can help deter them. [4] Soaking cotton balls with peppermint oil and placing them around areas where wasps are unwanted repels wasps and other bugs effectively. [5] Basil, mint, rosemary, and essential oils like eucalyptus and lemon can be used as natural wasp deterrents. [6] Incognito Incense Sticks cost £6.99 on Amazon. [7] Three pots of basil can be purchased for £15.99 at B&Q.
Addingto the variety of natural repellents, basil plants, with their scents like linalool and estragole, confuse wasps and can be grown around homes and gardens to keep them at bay. On patios or windowsills, dried basil leaves can offer an effective barrier.
Incorporating home-and-garden elements into your lifestyle, such as using Incognito Incense Sticks or basil plants, not only boosts your outdoor space's aesthetic appeal but also effectively keeps wasps away.
