Wasp stings can be painful, and may also cause severe and life-threatening allergic reactions in some people. So, it is always better to deter them from frequenting your premises. This can be done effectively, using repellents. You can use chemical repellents or go for organic ones. While chemicals are not preferred due to their harmful nature, organic and homemade types are mainly used.
One of the effective methods to get rid of wasps, repellents can be commercial or homemade. Organic and natural repellents are mostly preferred, as they do not contain harmful chemicals.
Lavender and Eucalyptus Oil
Lavender oil and eucalyptus oil are effective as repellents to get rid of wasps. Lavender oil can be applied on skin/clothing or can be sprayed on areas frequented by these insects. Eucalyptus oil combined with citronella oil is also an effective remedy for wasps. Combine equal amounts of eucalyptus oil, menthol oil, teak oil and citronella oil to make this repellent. Spray this mixture on your premises to repel wasps and to prevent them from nesting in that area.
Citrus oil
Citrus oil extract can work wonders for wasp control. All you have to do is to spray the extract in and around your house. It is said that citrus oil extract can kill wasps, once these insects come into contact with it. Some people also use blue cypress oil for repelling wasp. You may also use neem oil, for this purpose.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil can also be used to ward off wasps. Add a tablespoon of peppermint oil to a liter of water mixed with a tablespoon of unscented shampoo. Spray the solution to get rid of wasps.
Other Homemade Repellents
Dishwash Liquid
Dishwash liquid is one of the easily available materials that can be used to prepare a wasp repellent. All you have to do is to mix two tablespoons of dishwash liquid in a liter of water.
Laundry Bleach
Laundry bleach can also kill wasps, if sprayed directly on them. Fill the bleach in a spray bottle (be careful while handling undiluted bleach) and use it as and when required. Cover yourself fully with clothes, so that the insects do not sting you, once they are sprayed with bleach.
Baby Powder
Baby powder can be sprinkled to repel wasps. You can also apply the powder on your body to prevent wasp stings. It is said that the talc in baby powder repels insects.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper can be used to get rid of wasps from your surroundings. Fill water in a one-liter spray bottle. Add two to three tablespoons of liquid cayenne pepper along with a tablespoon of dishwash liquid. Mix well and spray it on areas frequented by wasps.
Wasp-Repellent Plants
While some people use sprays made of different natural products, others grow herbs for deterring wasps. If you want to adopt the second method, grow plants like mint, wormwood and lemongrass.Among them, wormwood is said to be the most effective one, and this plant can be grown as borders in garden. Even the dried cuttings of the plant are found effective as insect repellent. You have to grow them in well drained soil and make sure not to plant them near fennel, peas and anise.
In short, there are many different natural/homemade wasp repellents that can be used as per your preference, availability and effectiveness. You may also go for the commercial ones, but make sure to use those products as per the instructions of the manufacturer. Electronic ones are claimed to be effective for this purpose, but its effectiveness is still not proven. You may also use wasp traps that can be bought from stores. These traps can also be easily made at home.
