Whether you’re having coffee on the balcony or a barbecue in the garden, it would be so nice if there weren’t suddenly countless wasps buzzing around the cake or around you. There are still relatively few wasps, but late summer and thus wasp season are getting closer and closer.

Wasps don’t like fragrant plants

The good news: There are ways to keep wasps away from your home – with the right plants. Wasps don’t like particularly strong-smelling plants with essential oils. And with some of them, the scent is actually so noticeable that it even overpowers the smell of the food you’re grilling. If you want to drive away the stinging insects, you should plant the following flowers and herbs in your garden or balcony box, or simply place them in your home:

1. Geraniums

Geraniums are among the most popular ornamental plants. They bloom everywhere in gardens and on balconies. The fragrant plants smell of lemon (Pelargonium crispum or the variety ‘Lemon Fancy’), orange (‘Prince of Oranges’), peppermint (Pelargonium tomentosum or ‘Joy Lucille’), frankincense or cola (‘Torento’). Wasps, on the other hand, do not like scented geraniums at all and quickly turn away when they come near them.

2. Mint

Mints offer a wide range of different scents – the menthol-containing varieties, such as classic peppermint, smell particularly intense. Most people find this scent very pleasant. Wasps disagree and give the plants a wide berth. Mint can be planted in pots, for example in the kitchen, or in the garden or on the balcony.

3. Marigolds

The bright orange flowers are perfect for repelling annoying insects. Marigolds can be planted outside or placed directly on the coffee table as a bouquet.

4. Lavender

Lavender also drives away insects. The animals don’t like the smell at all. Lavender in front of doors and windows prevents wasps from flying into the house.

5. Lemon balm

Similar to the mint mentioned above, the lemon scent, which is pleasant for humans, is a no-go for wasps. In this case, the common fly is of the same opinion and also gives the plant a wide berth.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary in the garden or on the balcony also provides peace from insects. The plant thrives best in a pot.

7. Tomatoes

Wasps don’t like tomatoes at all. Or rather, it’s actually the leaves of the plant that drive the wasps away. Mosquitoes also tend to give tomato plants a wide berth.