Wasps often become aggressive in early autumn as the weather cools, but three simple objects placed around the garden can deter them and help prevent stings. These insects are currently seeking sugar as their colonies decline, so it is recommended to cover bins and pick up any fruit in the garden.
Natural repellents recommended by a gardener
Elizabeth Waddington, a gardener from First Tunnels, has shared three natural repellents that can deter wasps. She said: “Planting herbs like spearmint, thyme, and eucalyptus can deter wasps due to their strong aromas. Additionally, lining birdhouses with aluminium foil or soap can prevent wasps from nesting there.”
It is not recommended to swat or spray wasps, as they release a pheromone when they die, which encourages more of them to swarm.
Why wasps are more active in early autumn
Wasps eat protein in summer to stay strong and feed their larvae, so they spend more time collecting insects. As it gets colder, the queens stop laying eggs, causing colonies to break down. Wasps then forage by themselves and are more attracted to sugary scents when looking for food.
Planting herbs like thyme, mint, or eucalyptus can help, as their strong smells interfere with a wasp's senses and irritate them, making it harder for wasps to find nearby food. Placing herbs near a patio or seating area should be enough to keep the insects away.
Using tin foil and soapy water
Bird feeders can become a hotspot for wasps, as they are attracted to fruit left out or spilt seeds with sugary residue. If a bird feeder is not cleaned regularly, wasps may take shelter near them or build nests, so hanging tin foil nearby can help. The shiny material flashes in sunlight, which can confuse and disorient wasps, who may mistake it for a predator.
If wasps are really bothersome, spraying garden furniture with soapy water can kill them if they land on the surface. Soap reduces the tension of water so insects cannot balance on top and instead fall into the liquid and drown. It is not recommended to spray wasps directly, as it can provoke them, but coating surfaces they tend to fly around will help stop seeing them in the garden.
