How to keep wasps away (and what to do if they get you)

Wasps seem to be everywhere in the summer: in your garden, at work, out and about – you name it. There’s no need to worry, though, when you know exactly how to stop them bothering you. So, what keeps wasps away? We’ve got tips on what plants deter wasps, and how to deal with a wasp sting if they manage to get you. Let’s kick off with what keeps wasps away.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How to keep wasps away outside
• What plants deter wasp
• How to deal with a wasp sting: home remedies to treat a wasp sting
• Frequently asked questions

How to keep wasps away outside

As the temperatures climb and we head into the heart of summer, the wasp population rises. The typical reaction? To throw our hands around and try to waft them away! It’s a totally understandable response. But it’s more likely to put them on alert and lead to a sting. It’s better to find out what repels wasps in a less frantic way. The following tips can help keep wasps away while you enjoy some well-deserved sunshine:

• Don’t leave sweet things lying around. Just like many of us, wasps are really attracted to sugary treats. If you want to keep wasps away, keep any juice or ice cream out of their line of sight.
• Keep food covered. Want to know how to deter wasps when eating outside? For one, try and keep food covered as much as possible. If they can’t sense or smell it, it won’t interest them.
• Seal your bins. Again, if they don’t know there’s food in there, they won’t bother with them.
• Use peppermint oil. Want to learn how to keep wasps from coming back to disturb you? Place pots, pads or bowls of peppermint in strategic areas. Wasps really don’t like peppermint.¹

What plants deter wasps?

A variety of plants can keep wasps away, too. That’s mainly because the scent of certain plants can act as a natural wasp repellent. So, what scents keeps wasps away? Here are some natural ways to repel wasps using plants:

• Basil
• Cucumber
• Citronella
• Mint
• Eucalyptus
• Garlic

Wasps are not a fan of strong scents, so any plants that release strong aromas and scents are effective natural wasp repellents, helping keep wasps away without harming them. 

How to deal with a wasp sting: home remedies to treat a wasp sting

We’ve looked at what repels wasps and what scent keeps wasps away, but what should you do if you do get stung? Here is how to deal with a wasp sting so you know exactly what to do²:

1. Firstly, check if there is anything on or in your skin. If there is a wasp stinger, carefully brush the stinger from side-to-side either with your finger or a corner of your credit card.
2. Next, wash the area with soap and water to remove as much venom as possible and reduce the chance of infection.
3. Apply a cold compress to the sting to help soothe and lower inflammation around it.
   

   Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth to make your compress. This can help reduce any pain or swelling.

4. Keep the area clean to prevent any infection.
5. You can apply a hydrocortisone cream to the area to reduce any itching or swelling.²
6. Apply a bandage if necessary.

In addition to the above home remedies to treat a wasp sting, if you find that your bite is particularly painful, head to your pharmacy for over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with any discomfort.² If you’re in any doubt about a severe or potentially allergic reaction, contact a medical professional immediately.

FAQs: How to keep wasps away

How to keep wasps away from your home?
If you want to keep wasps away and out of your home, the best method is to tackle things that attract them in the first place. Ensure all bins are tightly sealed, cover any food left out, and wipe up any spills straight away to avoid enticing wasps indoors. If wasps are still finding their way inside, check for gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and walls, and seal these entry points. Also, fitting fine mesh screens over windows and doors allows you to keep your home ventilated while keeping wasps at bay. 

Do wasp traps really help keep wasps away?
While wasp traps can sometimes help keep wasps away, they’re not always an effective long-term solution. Many traps work by luring wasps in, which can actually draw more of them into your garden before they’re caught. What’s more, wasp traps don’t discriminate and can inadvertently capture other beneficial or harmless insects.

Traps may be useful when placed well away from seating areas or entry points, but they shouldn’t be relied on as the only method of control. For ongoing or severe wasp problems, professional advice or nest removal is usually a more effective and targeted solution.

What should I do if I find a wasp nest near my home?
If you find a wasp nest near your home or in your garden, start by assessing the risk. A small nest in a quiet, low-traffic area can often be left alone if it isn’t causing problems.
 
If the nest is large or located near doors, pathways, or areas where children play, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service. Choose a BPCA-member company to ensure safe and effective removal.³
 
Before taking action, confirm the insects are wasps and not bees, as bees are protected in many areas and should be relocated by a specialist.

Prevention is always better than cure, so hopefully you won’t need these steps now that you know how to keep wasps away. Give our tips a try and wasps shouldn’t be as much of an issue this summer. Roll on those long, hot, wasp-free summer days.