Seamus Hammond
Wasps can be a nuisance, especially in the summer when we want to enjoy the outdoors. While there are many ways to repel these insects, one popular method is the use of incense sticks. Incense containing essential oils such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender can be effective in deterring wasps due to their strong scent, which wasps find unpleasant. Citronella incense is also a popular choice, as wasps are repelled by the strong citrus scent. However, it's important to note that incense alone may not be enough, and other measures such as bug sprays, traps, and covering food and drinks should also be considered to fully enjoy a wasp-free environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense as a wasp repellent | Incense sticks can be an effective and natural method to repel wasps |
| Types of incense | Lemongrass, citronella, lavender, peppermint, clove oil, eucalyptus |
| Other methods | Bug sprays, wasp traps, covering food and drinks, wearing light and pale colors |
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What You'll Learn
Citronella incense is best
Incense can be used to repel wasps, but not all types of incense are effective. While some sources suggest that any incense can be used as a bug repellent, others claim that only specific types, such as citronella incense, are truly effective against wasps.
Citronella incense is the best option for repelling wasps. Citronella has a strong, citrus-like scent that covers up the scents that wasps are attracted to, making it difficult for them to find a host. The smoke produced by burning citronella incense can keep wasps and other insects away from outdoor spaces. Citronella is a natural, safe, and effective way to deter wasps without resorting to pesticides. It is also pleasant for humans to smell and safe for nearby plants and insects that you may want to keep around.
Citronella incense comes in various forms, including cones, coils, sticks, candles, and essential oils. The sticks tend to burn longer and are, therefore, better value. Citronella candles can be particularly useful when spending time outdoors, as they can keep burning and repel wasps for an extended period. However, it is important to note that citronella may need to be reapplied frequently, as the scent dissipates.
In addition to citronella, other essential oils can also be used to repel wasps, such as clove oil and mint varieties like spearmint and peppermint. These oils can be sprayed onto wasp nests or nearby areas to deter wasps without causing any harm to humans or the environment. However, among the various options available, citronella incense stands out as the most effective and preferred choice for repelling wasps.
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Other scents that work
While burning incense may not be the most effective method to repel wasps, certain scents can indeed help keep these insects away. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Citrus Scents
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are excellent natural repellents due to their powerful essential oils, which contain compounds that emit strong fragrances. These fragrances can overpower the delicate senses of wasps, making them think twice before invading your space. To use citrus as a repellent, you can dilute a few drops of citrus essential oil in water and spritz it around windows, doors, or anywhere wasps are a problem. Alternatively, you can place citrus peels near entry points or outdoor gathering spots to deter wasps from crashing your party.
Clove
The distinct fragrance of cloves is another scent that wasps find uninviting. Clove essential oil can be mixed with water and sprayed around windows, doorways, or other wasp hotspots. Alternatively, lighting clove-scented candles during your outdoor activities can create an inviting ambiance for you and your guests while keeping wasps at bay.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass, with its distinct citrusy scent, is a natural repellent that wasps find unappealing. The essential oil of lemongrass contains compounds like citral and geraniol, which emit a strong fragrance that overwhelms the olfactory senses of wasps. To use lemongrass effectively, dilute the essential oil in water and spray it near your porch or deck, or incorporate lemongrass plants into your landscaping. You can also create sachets filled with dried lemongrass leaves and place them near wasp-prone areas.
Peppermint
Wasps dislike the scent of peppermint, making peppermint essential oil another great option for a natural repellent. Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around doorways, windows, and other areas where wasps may try to enter. For a more long-term solution, consider planting peppermint in your yard or near your outdoor gathering spots to create a natural force field against wasps.
Citronella
Citronella, known for its unique odor that repels mosquitoes, is also effective against wasps. Citronella incense, in particular, can be useful, as the smoke keeps away all insects. Citronella is also recommended for use in landscaping edges where wasps like to nest.
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Incense alone isn't enough
Incense alone is not enough to completely repel wasps. While incense sticks can be an effective way to deter wasps, they should be used in conjunction with other methods, such as bug sprays or traps. Covering all food and drinks, regularly disposing of trash, and avoiding wearing bright clothing are also recommended to prevent attracting wasps.
Wasps are attracted to strong scents, particularly sweet ones, so it is important to cover all food and drinks when spending time outdoors. Additionally, trash bins should be kept closed and regularly emptied to avoid attracting wasps.
To further reduce the likelihood of attracting wasps, it is recommended to avoid wearing bright-colored clothing or planting colorful flowers in your garden. Wasps are drawn to bright colors, so opting for light and pale colors, such as white, tan, cream, or grey, can reduce the chance of getting stung.
While incense sticks can be effective in repelling wasps, not all types of incense are created equal. Incense sticks containing essential oils, such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender, are particularly effective in deterring wasps due to their strong scent. Citronella incense is also a popular choice, as wasps dislike the strong citrus scent.
In summary, while incense sticks can be a useful tool in repelling wasps, they should not be relied upon as the sole method of deterrence. Combining incense with other wasp prevention strategies, such as those mentioned above, will help to create a more effective barrier against these pesky insects.
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Trapping and spraying wasps
While there are many ways to repel wasps, trapping and spraying are two effective methods to get rid of them.
Trapping Wasps
There are several ways to trap wasps, including purchasing a ready-made trap or creating a homemade one.
Ready-Made Wasp Traps
The RESCUE! W·H·Y® Trap is a double-chambered, reusable trap that can be used to catch 19 different species of insects, including paper wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets. The trap uses three different lures to attract the insects, and its design prevents them from escaping. It does not use any killing agents or poisons, relying instead on trapping the insects until they eventually expire on their own. It is recommended to place the trap at least 20 feet away from outdoor activity areas and areas where insects are entering.
Homemade Wasp Traps
To make a homemade wasp trap, you will need an empty plastic bottle or carton with an opening large enough for wasps to crawl through. Here are the steps to make one:
- Remove the label from the bottle and cut off the top just below where the container broadens.
- Invert the top so that the spout is inside the bottle and tape the edges to secure it. The neck of the bottle will serve as a funnel for the wasps to enter but not exit.
- Puncture two holes on opposite sides of the funnel's edge and tie a string through them to create a handle for hanging the trap.
- Pour a liquid mixture of sugar water, honey, or jam into the bottle. The sweetness will attract the wasps, and the inverted neck will prevent them from flying out.
- Adding a few drops of dish soap or vinegar to the mixture can enhance the trap's effectiveness.
- Alternatively, you can use rotten meat in plain water as bait during the early season when wasps are more interested in protein.
- Coating the inside of the bottle with olive oil or petroleum jelly can also make the trap more effective by creating a slippery barrier that wasps cannot climb.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of any wasp trap depends on timing and maintenance. Setting the trap early in the spring, before the wasp population increases, is ideal. Regular cleaning is also crucial to prevent the buildup of dead wasp bodies, which can create a raft for live wasps to escape.
Spraying Wasps
While there is no specific mention of spraying wasps as a method of repelling or eliminating them, some sources do recommend using citronella incense to create a smoke barrier that keeps wasps and other insects away. Citronella incense, in the form of cones, coils, or sticks, is specifically designed to repel insects, whereas ordinary incense may not be as effective.
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Natural deterrents
Citrus fruits, herbs, and essential oils are all-natural deterrents to wasps. Strong citrus scents can overload a wasp's sensory system, making it unbearable and disorienting for them. Citrus oils effectively disrupt a wasp's scent receptors, including those found in lemon balm, lemongrass, citronella, lemons, limes, oranges, and other citrus fruit peels. Place orange, lemon, or grapefruit peels near potential nesting areas or hang them around your outdoor space.
Wasps are naturally repelled by clove, geranium, and lavender essential oils. Mix a few drops of each oil in a spray bottle and add a few tablespoons of dish soap; fill the rest with water and shake. Spray this solution on any established wasp nests, and make sure you look under porch roofs, eaves, and any other ledges.
Wasps have a strong sense of smell and dislike certain plants like peppermint, spearmint, basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, thyme, citronella, bay leaves, and lemongrass. Vinegar, cinnamon, coffee grounds, and sliced cucumber also repel them.
Wasp-repellent plants include spearmint, thyme, eucalyptus, wormwood, basil, bay leaves, lemongrass, and citronella grass. Plant these varieties near your home, especially where you have previously seen wasps. Flowering plants like marigolds, geraniums, or pennyroyals also deter wasps.
To keep wasps from returning, make your home less enticing. Keep your doors or windows closed. Do not keep food outside. Keep garbage cans tightly sealed. Leave out wasp traps. Remove nests when wasps are least active at dawn.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense can be an effective way to repel wasps, but it is not a complete solution.
Incense containing essential oils like lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender work best as wasps are attracted to strong smells and find these scents unpleasant. Citronella incense is also effective as wasps dislike the strong citrus scent.
Yes, there are several alternatives to incense for repelling wasps. Bug sprays can be used to repel and kill wasps. Wasp traps are another option; these traps attract wasps with sweet bait and trap them. Covering food and drinks, regularly disposing of trash, and avoiding wearing bright clothing can also help to keep wasps away.
