There are several natural ways to repel yellow jackets, including:
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Citronella: This is a popular insect repellent that can also repel yellow jackets and wasps. Plant citronella grass in your garden or use citronella candles.
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Mint: The strong scent of spearmint, peppermint, or pennyroyal can deter yellow jackets and wasps. Plant mint in your garden or use it in pots on your patio or porch.
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Sage: This is another plant that can help to repel these stinging insects. Its strong scent can mask the pheromones that attract yellow jackets and wasps, making them less likely to come near.
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Peppermint oil: Roll-on peppermint oil can naturally repel stinging insects. Before heading outside, roll oil on your wrists and temples or add several drops to a cotton pad and place them intentionally around the outside of your home.
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Cucumber: Freshly cut cucumber can help ward off unwanted stinging pests. Slice a fresh cucumber and place it on aluminum foil or in an aluminum pie dish. This trick also deters slugs and other types of bugs by producing a chemical reaction.
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Tabasco sauce: The capsaicin found in Tabasco sauce can effectively repel yellow jacket wasps. Spray a mixture of Tabasco sauce and water around your home or outdoor area.
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Decoy yellow jacket nests: Paper wasps won’t build their nests within a few hundred feet of another nest. Take advantage of this by hanging decoy yellow jacket nests around your property.
Its important to note that yellow jackets are attracted to different things depending on the time of year and region. For example, in the early spring they may be attracted to protein-based foods to feed their young, while in the late summer and early fall they may be more attracted to sugary substances as they prepare for the winter. Therefore, its also important to avoid behavior that attracts yellow jackets, such as wearing bright colored clothes or floral patterns, and to reduce access to food by keeping trash bins sealed and cleaning up scraps or crumbs after outdoor events.
