10 Genius Hacks I Use To Keep The Wasps Away

Ah, summer! The season of barbecues, garden parties, and unfortunately, wasps. Before you start running for cover, there are several natural ways to keep these pesky intruders at bay. Ready to enjoy a wasp-free summer? Here are 10 genius ways you can keep the wasps away.

Remove Their Food Sources

coffee cup — Image Credit: Alla Machutt from Getty Images/ Canva Pro.

First off, we need to know why wasps might be buzzing around your place, otherwise we could be fighting a losing battle. Is there anything out there that’s a wasp magnet? Think about leftovers, open soda cans, or even pet food—anything that’s a free buffet for these bugs.

Finding and getting rid of these food sources is your first line of defense. Make sure to clean up any spills or remnants, especially those sugary and protein-rich treats they can’t resist.

Don’t Leave Trash Cans Open

Your trash might as well be a treasure chest to wasps and hornets. Keeping your trash cans tightly sealed cuts off another major attraction. This goes for compost bins too. If these pests can’t get to the goodies, they’ll likely buzz off elsewhere. Just make sure lids are secure and there are no gaps for the wasps to sneak through.

Change Your Outdoor Light Bulbs

Ever notice how wasps seem to love hanging around your porch light? Well, it’s not just your imagination—they really are drawn to certain types of light. Swapping your standard bulbs for yellow or sodium vapor lights can make your home less appealing. These bulbs emit a type of light that’s far less attractive to wasps and hornets, giving you some peace during those warm, outdoor evenings.

Plant Mint

Plant some mint! Wasps aren’t fans of strong scents, and mint has a particularly potent one that drives them away. Whether you tuck it into garden beds or dot your patio with pots of peppermint, it’s a natural and pretty effective repellent. Plus, mint has the added bonus of deterring other pests too (like spiders), so it’s a win-win for keeping your outdoor spaces more fun and less buzzy.

Peppermint Oil

Wasps and hornets hate peppermint, too! A simple yet effective trick is to soak a cotton ball in peppermint oil and place it in spots where you’ve noticed these pesky visitors. For a broader reach, mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around your home’s trouble spots.

If you want to amp up this repellent, add some cinnamon and clove oils into the mix—they’re just as hated by wasps and hornets and can boost the protective barrier against them.

Make a Homemade Wasp Repellent Spray

diy Spray — Image Credit: StopTheSpread/ Canva Pro.

If you’re into DIY solutions, making your own wasp repellent spray is a great move. Here’s what you’ll need: a large spray bottle, peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium oils, some dish soap, and water.

Start by filling the bottle with water, then add 10-20 drops of each essential oil per liter of water. A few drops of dish soap help to mix the oils evenly with water. Give it a good shake before each use and spray around areas where wasps have nested before or might find appealing.

Grow Wasp Repelling Plants

marigolds 1 — Image Credit: nymphoenix from Getty Images/ Canva Pro.

If you’ve got a garden or even just a few pots on a patio, try planting some planting wasp-repellent plants. Wasps rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food, which means the right plants can really throw them off.

Herbs like lemongrass, peppermint, thyme, and flowers like marigolds and geraniums not only look great but also give off scents that wasps prefer to avoid. Strategic placement near windows, doors, and seating areas can keep the buzz away from your outdoor living spaces.

More Essential Oils That Repel Wasps

Mixing oils like clove, lemongrass, and geranium with water creates a natural repellent that wasps hate. This blend needs to be shaken well before each use and sprayed around areas where you think wasps might try to set up shop.

It’s a proactive approach—spray these areas regularly to discourage wasps from ever considering them as a potential home. Remember, consistency is key with this method.

Use a Fake Wasp Nest

Wasps are super territorial, which means they steer clear of areas they think are already claimed by other wasps. By hanging a fake wasp nest around your home, you can trick these territorial insects into thinking the spot’s already taken. This is especially useful in the spring, right when wasp season kicks off.

Use Wasp Traps

When all else fails, wasp traps are a reliable backup plan before you might consider calling in the pros. These traps lure wasps with a sweet liquid bait and then trap them in a container they can’t escape from, eventually leading to them drowning.

To DIY this, grab a 2-liter bottle, some tape, and scissors. Cut the top off where the bottle narrows, flip it, and tape it to the bottom half filled with water, sugar, and a bit of dish soap. Smear some jam around the bottle’s mouth to boost the temptation. Set it up where you notice wasp activity.

Remember, while this method is grat for trapping individual wasps, it won’t eliminate an entire nest. For that, professional help might be necessary.