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Does Citronella Repel Wasps? - Kylon Powell

Writer Gabriel Cooper

The use of pesticides should be reserved for the very last resort when dealing with a wasp infestation in your house. Many more safe and efficient techniques for controlling wasps and keeping them at bay are available to you to choose from. No matter how safe a pesticide you believe you’ve discovered is around children and pets, there are a variety of essential oils that may provide a similar function. You’ll be able to rest well at night knowing that you and your family are protected. Wasps are scared off by citronella.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

Certain essential oils, such as citronella, have a strong scent that is not very appealing to insects such as wasps. Citronella has a smell that is similar to citrus. Wasps are known to feed on the nectar of flowers, therefore the scent of citrus fruits is not one that they like at all. Citronella has a strong scent that may be unpleasant to people, so it seems to reason that tiny wasps would find it bothersome as well. It is believed that wasps have a keen sense of smell, and that they can detect citronella, insecticides, and other essential oils from great distances. Citronella works by masking the smell that wasps are attracted to, making it more difficult for them to locate a host to lay their eggs. 

Maybe you’re afraid to exterminate a wasp’s nest that’s on your land, but it would be safer if you could just do something to relocate it. Because wasps may be helpful in reducing the number of other insects that you may not want around, it is important to keep them under control.

If you want to be sure that you are free of wasps while you are spending time outside, use a citronella candle to ward them off. If you want to remain outside for a long period, you should use candles to ward off insects. The candle will keep on burning, which means that you won’t have to use any more oils or sprays. Citronella torches are very helpful and may be used as a decorative accent in many settings.

Some essential oils are powerful enough to be utilized in a way that repels wasps. In addition to citronella, clove oil is great for repelling insects. One may spray it on a nest or on neighboring areas to deter wasps. Other plants will be unaffected. It even has the capability to touch your flesh and be completely safe.

After using clove oil, it will likely stay in place for longer than citronella does. Also in the group of herbs, wasps dislike some kinds of mint, for example, spearmint and peppermint.