Plants that Deter Wasps but not Bees

Oleh Anonymous August 08, 2023 Post a Comment

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When it comes to gardening, many people are hesitant to plant flowers and plants due to the fear of wasp stings. However, not all flying insects are alike - while wasps can be a nuisance, bees play an important role in pollination. Fortunately, there are several plants that deter wasps but not bees. In this article, we will explore these plants and how you can incorporate them into your garden.

What Attracts Wasps?

Before we dive into the plants that repel wasps, let's take a closer look at what attracts these pests to your outdoor space. Wasps are attracted to sweet smells, bright colors, and sugary substances. They also tend to build their nests near a source of food or water. If you want to keep wasps away, it's important to avoid these attractants.

Sweet Smells

Many flowers produce a sweet fragrance that can attract both bees and wasps. However, some flowers are more likely to draw wasps than others. For example, plants like marigolds and chrysanthemums have strong scents that can be overwhelming for wasps. On the other hand, flowers like lavender and mint have a more subtle scent that is less likely to attract wasps.

Bright Colors

Brightly colored flowers like yellow, orange, and red are popular among both bees and wasps. However, wasps tend to be more aggressive and territorial, so they may be more likely to attack if they feel threatened. To avoid attracting wasps, consider planting flowers with more muted colors like blue or purple.

Sugary Substances

Wasps have a sweet tooth and are attracted to sugary substances like fruit juice, soda, and candy. If you want to keep wasps away, it's important to avoid leaving food or drinks outside. Make sure to clean up any spills or crumbs immediately, as these can also attract wasps.

Plants that Deter Wasps

Now that we know what attracts wasps, let's take a look at some plants that repel them. These plants have a strong scent that wasps find unpleasant, making them less likely to linger around your garden.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular herb that is easy to grow and has a variety of uses. Not only does it smell great, but it also acts as a natural insect repellent. Planting peppermint around your garden can help deter wasps and other pests.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is another herb that is known for its insect-repelling properties. It has a strong citrus scent that wasps find unappealing. You can plant lemongrass in pots or directly in the ground to keep wasps away.

Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in cooking. It also has a strong scent that wasps don't like. Planting basil around your garden can help keep wasps at bay, while also adding a delicious flavor to your meals.

Citronella

Citronella is a popular ingredient in many insect repellents. It has a strong, lemony scent that wasps find repuve. You can plant citronella in pots or use citronella candles to keep wasps away from your outdoor space.

Marigolds

While we mentioned earlier that marigolds can attract wasps due to their strong scent, they can also repel them. The pungent scent of marigolds is unappealing to many insects, including wasps. Planting marigolds around your garden can help keep these pests away.

Other Ways to Deter Wasps

In addition to planting insect-repelling plants, there are several other steps you can take to deter wasps from your outdoor space.

Remove Sources of Food and Water

As we mentioned earlier, wasps are attracted to sources of food and water. To keep them away, it's important to remove any potential food sources. This means cleaning up spills and crumbs, as well as sealing trash cans tightly. You should also make sure to fix any leaks or standing water in your yard.

Use Wasp Traps

Wasp traps can be an effective way to catch and kill wasps without using harmful chemicals. These traps work by luring wasps with a sweet-smelling bait, then trapping them inside. You can purchase pre-made wasp traps or make your own using a plastic bottle and some sugary liquid.

Wear Protective Clothing

If you need to do work outside where wasps are present, it's important to wear protective clothing like long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat. This will help prevent you from being stung if a wasp becomes aggressive.

FAQs

Q1: Can wasps harm my garden?

Yes, wasps can harm your garden by damaging plants and flowers. They can also disrupt the pollination process, which can affect the overall health of your garden.

Q2: Are wasps dangerous?

While wasp stings can be painful, they are generally not dangerous unless you are allergic. If you have a severe allergy to wasp stings, it's important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times.

Q3: What should I do if I find a wasp nest in my yard?

If you find a wasp nest in your yard, it's best to call a professional exterminator to remove it. Attempting to remove the nest yourself can be dangerous and may cause the wasps to become aggressive.

Q4: Can I use insecticides to kill wasps?

Insecticides can be effective at killing wasps, but they can also harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. If you choose to use an insecticide, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid spraying near any plants that bees or other pollinators may visit.

Q5: Can I plant these repellent plants indoors?

Yes, most of these plants can be grown indoors as well. However, it's important to make sure they have adequate sunlight and water to thrive.

If you're looking for a way to keep wasps away from your outdoor space, planting insect-repelling plants is a great option. Not only will these plants help deter wasps, but they'll also add beauty and fragrance to your garden. Remember to avoid leaving out sugary substances, remove sources of food and water, and wear protective clothing when working outside. With these tips, you can enjoy your outdoor space without the fear of wasp stings.

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