Spring in Australia is a time of renewal—the days get longer, the air feels lighter, and gardens burst into life.
But as we throw open our windows and dust off the outdoor furniture, there’s one seasonal visitor we could all do without: wasps.
These uninvited guests have a knack for turning a relaxing afternoon on the patio into a frantic dance of swatting and dodging.
If you’re tired of sharing your space with these stinging intruders, we’ve got a fresh, natural solution that’s as pleasant for you as it is repellent to them.
Why choose a natural wasp repellent?
Sure, you could reach for a can of chemical spray, but many of us are looking for gentler, more eco-friendly ways to keep our homes and gardens pest-free.
Enter peppermint oil—a natural powerhouse that’s been shown to send wasps packing. The secret lies in its strong scent, which overwhelms wasps’ sensitive olfactory systems, irritates their breathing, and even disrupts the pheromone trails they use to communicate.
The result? Wasps simply can’t stand to hang around.
But before you start spritzing, a word of caution: peppermint oil is toxic to dogs and cats. If you have furry friends who like to explore every nook and cranny, be mindful about where you spray and consider alternative deterrents for pet-accessible areas.
How to make your own peppermint wasp-repellent spray
Making your own wasp-repellent spray is quick, easy, and surprisingly satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 10 to 15 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap
- A spray bottle (preferably amber glass to protect the essential oil from light and prevent plastic degradation)
Simply add the ingredients to your spray bottle, secure the nozzle, and give it a good shake. The dish soap helps the oil mix with the water and stick to surfaces, making your repellent more effective.
Where and when to spray
Timing is everything. Wasps are less active in the early morning or late evening, making these the safest times to apply your spray.
Focus on the places wasps love to build their nests or hang out: under eaves, porch ceilings, window and door frames, gutters, and beneath decking or stairs.
If you spot an active nest, resist the urge to spray it with your homemade solution—you’ll need a specialised product (or professional help) for that job.
A greener, longer-term solution: Planting mint
If you’re a fan of gardening, why not let nature do the work for you? Mint—whether peppermint or spearmint—is a natural wasp deterrent.
Planting mint in large pots around your patio, or hanging planters near entryways, can help keep wasps at bay while adding a lovely fresh scent to your outdoor spaces.
Mint is hardy and easy to grow, but be warned: it can take over your garden if planted directly in the ground, so pots are your best bet.
Other tips for a wasp-free home
- Keep food and sugary drinks covered when dining outdoors—wasps love a sweet treat as much as we do.
- Regularly check for early signs of nest-building in sheltered spots.
- Seal bins tightly and clean up spills promptly to avoid attracting wasps and other pests.
Have you tried natural wasp repellents?
We’d love to hear from you! Have you experimented with peppermint oil or other natural remedies to keep wasps away?
Do you have a tried-and-true trick for a wasp-free garden party? Share your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below—your advice could help a fellow YourLifeChoices member enjoy a sting-free spring!
Let’s make this season about fresh air, not frantic flapping. Happy (wasp-free) spring!
Also read: Got stung? This common Australian plant offers instant pain relief
