Methods and Time-Honoured Tips for Keeping Wasps Away Naturally

Outdoors, wasps are attracted by several stimuli that pique their interest. Firstly, sugar-rich food sources such as desserts, ripe fruit and sweet drinks. They're also sensitive to strong smells and fragrances, whether that's a guest's perfume or the aroma of cooked dishes and drinks. Finally, bright colours remind them of the flowers they pollinate, so they spot brightly coloured fruit and drinks on the table and approach them eagerly.

Scent is one of the most effective natural ways to repel wasps. When strong enough, certain smells act as a natural repellent. Since wasps are drawn to sweet, sugary scents, try these instead to keep them away from the table when dining outdoors in summer.

Note: None of these solutions have been the subject of serious scientific study. These are empirical tips that have been passed down through the ages.

Coffee grounds as a wasp repellent

A true old-fashioned remedy, coffee is used every summer to repel wasps. Its smell is a powerful deterrent that insects dislike. For this, opt for coffee grounds rather than brewed coffee, as they're more effective.

1. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of ground coffee in a small bowl.

2. Light it on fire.

3. As it burns, it will release a strong smell of roasted coffee that drives wasps away.

Cloves to repel wasps

The strong scent and repellent properties of cloves are useful for keeping wasps away at a picnic, for example. Crush them and place them in a small bowl. You can also cut an orange in half and stick cloves into it. The two scents combined create a 100% natural and effective repellent. As the cloves' scent fades over time, refresh them regularly to maintain the effect.

Garlic to keep wasps away

The sulfur compounds in garlic are responsible for its distinctive odour, which may repel wasps and drive them away. To make it, prepare a garlic solution by crushing a few cloves and mixing them with water. You can also boil garlic in water to create a concentrated solution. Pour the garlic solution into a spray bottle and spray it around areas where you want to keep wasps away, such as picnic areas and patios.

Does lavender keep wasps away?

Although it may seem surprising, since it attracts bees, lavender does indeed keep wasps away. It's a very effective natural repellent because wasps dislike its scent. It may therefore be a good idea to plant clumps of lavender if you’re afraid of wasps or want to keep them away from your patio.

Tomato plants to keep wasps away during an outdoor meal

Pick a few branches from your tomato plant in the garden and place them on the table during a barbecue with friends. Wasps don’t like the smell of tomato plants, so they won’t come bother you.

Plant herbs that act as wasp repellents. On your balcony, grow mint, lemongrass, or basil. These aromatic, strongly scented plants deter wasps from coming near. This can be an effective and natural solution to keep the peace.

Near the pool, wasps can discourage young children from swimming or scare them. Here are some tips to help you keep them away: 

1. Place natural repellents, such as plants whose scents keep wasps away: mint or lemongrass.

2. Don’t leave sugary drinks or containers with food scraps lying around, as they’ll attract wasps to the area.

3. Avoid sweet-smelling perfumes, which could attract wasps to the area.

4. Keep trash cans closed and out of the way.

• Avoid bright colours: Wasps are attracted to bright colours, so opt for neutral-coloured clothing when you’re outdoors.

• Avoid strong scents like lotions or floral-scented hair products, which may attract wasps.

• Use lids on your drinks when you’re outdoors to prevent wasps from being drawn to sweet smells

• Keep food covered outdoors and regularly clean up eating areas, especially food scraps. Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.

Lauréna is a journalist specialising in lifestyle, wellness, and psychology. Between writing articles, she travels around the world, discovering what it has to teach us.