10 Plants That Naturally Repel Bees And Wasps

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Why are bees and wasps important?

Bees and wasps play a crucial role in our ecosystem, as they are responsible for pollinating plants and flowers. They also help to control other insects by feeding on them.

Why would you want to repel bees and wasps?

While bees and wasps are important, they can also be a nuisance and even dangerous if they sting. If you or someone in your family has an allergy to bee stings, it is especially important to keep these insects away from your outdoor spaces.

How can plants help?

Plants have natural properties that can help to repel bees and wasps. By strategically planting certain types of plants in your yard, you can create a more pleasant environment for yourself and your family without harming the important role bees and wasps play in our ecosystem.

10 Natural Plants to Keep Bees and Wasps Away

If you're interested in using plants to naturally repel bees and wasps, here are 10 types of plants that you may want to consider:

Mint

Mint is a fragrant herb that is commonly used for cooking and making tea. However, its strong scent also makes it an effective deterrent for bees and wasps. Plant mint around outdoor seating areas, or crush the leaves and scatter them around the area to keep insects at bay.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is another plant with a strong scent that insects find unappealing. As an added bonus, its oils can be used to make a natural insect repellent spray. Plant lemongrass around the perimeter of your yard to create a barrier against bees and wasps.

Basil

Basil is another herb with a strong scent that insects don't like. It's also a versatile plant that can be used in many different dishes. Plant basil near outdoor seating areas or in containers on your patio.

Citronella

Citronella is perhaps best known as an ingredient in candles and sprays that repel mosquitoes. However, it can also be planted in your yard to keep bees and wasps away. Citronella is a type of geranium, so it has pretty flowers as well as insect-repelling properties.

Marigold

Marigolds are a colorful annual flower that can help to repel bees and wasps. They have a distinct smell that insects find unappealing, so plant them along the borders of your garden or in pots on your deck or patio.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tall tree that is native to Australia, but can also be grown in other parts of the world. Its leaves contain essential oils that can be used to make a natural insect repellent spray. If you live in an area where eucalyptus trees can be grown, consider planting one in your yard.

Geranium

Geraniums are another flowering plant that can help to keep bees and wasps away. They have a strong scent that insects find unappealing, so plant them in containers on your patio or in pots around your yard.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that is often used in aromatherapy and other wellness practices. Its scent is also unpleasant to bees and wasps, so plant it around outdoor seating areas or in containers on your porch or balcony.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a small, daisy-like flower that is commonly used to make tea. Its scent is soothing to humans, but unappealing to bees and wasps. Plant chamomile around the borders of your garden to create a natural barrier against insects.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a colorful, edible flower that can also help to repel bees and wasps. They have a strong scent that insects don't like, and can be planted in pots or along the edges of your garden.

How to Use These Plants Effectively

If you want to use these plants to naturally repel bees and wasps, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Plant them in the right places

To get the most benefit from these plants, it's important to plant them strategically. Place them near outdoor seating areas, around the borders of your garden, or in pots on your patio or balcony. Be sure to research the specific planting requirements for each type of plant.

Use essential oils

Many of these plants can also be used to make essential oils, which can be used to create a natural insect repellent spray. Simply mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle, and spritz around outdoor spaces where you want to keep bees and wasps away.

Make a natural repellent spray

In addition to using essential oils, you can also create a natural repellent spray by brewing a strong herbal tea with one or more of these plants. Let the tea cool, then strain it into a spray bottle and add a few drops of dish soap. Spray around outdoor areas as needed.

Use plants as companion planting

Another strategy is to use these plants as companion planting in your garden. For example, you could interplant basil with tomato plants to help keep bees and wasps away from your tomatoes.

Using these natural plants to repel bees and wasps is a safe and effective way to keep your outdoor spaces free of unwanted insects. By strategically planting these types of plants in your yard, you can create a more pleasant environment for yourself and your family while still respecting the important role that bees and wasps play in our ecosystem.

FAQ

Do these plants affect honey bees and other pollinators?

No, these plants are specifically targeted at repelling bees and wasps that can sting humans. They should not harm honey bees or other beneficial pollinators.

Can you use these plants indoors to repel wasps?

It is possible to grow some of these plants indoors, but they may not be as effective at repelling wasps as they would be outdoors. Additionally, certain types of plants (such as eucalyptus) can have strong scents that may be overpowering in a small indoor space.

Is it safe to use these plants around pets and children?

These plants are generally safe for pets and children, but it's always a good idea to do your own research and take proper precautions. For example, some types of essential oils can be harmful to cats and dogs, so be sure to keep these plants out of reach of your furry friends.

Can I plant all these plants together in one place for maximum effectiveness?

While it's best to spread these plants around your yard in various locations, you can certainly mix and match them as you see fit. Some people even like to create insect-repelling herb gardens that feature several different types of plants.

Are there any other natural ways to repel bees and wasps?

In addition to these plants, there are several other natural strategies you can use to repel bees and wasps. For example, hanging fake nests or bags filled with water near outdoor seating areas can help to deter these insects.

Do these plants only work for repelling bees and wasps, or do they work for other insects too?

While these plants are specifically targeted at repelling bees and wasps, many of them may also have insect-repelling properties that work on other types of insects as well.

What time of the year is best to plant these repelling plants?

The timing will depend on the specific type of plant. Some plants, like marigolds, can be planted in the spring after the last frost. Others, like mint, can be planted year-round.

Is it necessary to take care of these plants in different seasons?

Yes, each type of plant has its own requirements for sunlight, water, and soil. Be sure to do your own research and care for these plants properly so that they can thrive and do their job of repelling bees and wasps effectively.

What should you do if bees or wasps still come to your garden despite planting these plants?

If bees or wasps are still coming to your yard despite your efforts, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Contact a local beekeeper or pest control expert for advice on how to safely deal with these insects.

How many plants should I get to repel bees and wasps effectively?

The number of plants you will need will depend on the size of your outdoor space and the severity of the bee and wasp population in your area. As a general rule, aim to plant one or two of each type of plant per 10 square feet of outdoor space.