30 Plants That Repel Bees And Wasps Away

Including basil in your garden is like killing two birds with one stone. Basil emits a wonderful scent and imparts a rich aroma in tomato sauce and pesto dishes. However, bees and wasps are put off by the fragrance. These insects dislike the herb’s strong smell.

Basil may be grown from seed both indoors and outdoors in US hardiness zones 3 through 11. For optimal results, plant seeds at regular intervals throughout the spring and summer. Basil hates resting in wet compost, where it will soon decay and needs steady heat to flourish. Keep your crop out of direct sunlight because the tender, delicious leaves burn easily.

Commonly found in dried form in grocery shops, bay leaves are a culinary delight from the bay leaf plants. If you plant one on your patio in a pot, you won't need to purchase dried leaves again. In addition to producing tasty leaves, this tree's potent aroma deters insects and bees.

In zones eight through ten, this tree thrives in hedges and remains modest in containers. Since it does produce flowers, you should trim them off before they open to keep bees away. Keep your tree trimmed, and take out the blossoms. These creatures are drawn to floral fragrances and will be drawn somewhere else when removed. 

Gardens, nurseries, and landscapes are adorned with hundreds of begonias. Many cultivars in this genus provide honeybees with minimal pollen or nectar, making them ideal for a bee-free garden.

It may be overwhelming to choose one because there are so many varieties! Among these are cane begonias, rhizomatous begonias, and rex begonias. Opt for modern garden hybrids since they have the lowest levels of nectar and pollen from flowers.

Begonias flourish in other regions as summer annuals, even though the majority of them are perennials in zones 10 and 11. To keep them thriving all winter, bring them indoors. They're great indoor plants.

Garden peonies are a must-have patio plant. Double-flowering cultivars like "Festiva Maximat" and "Coral Sunset," have several petals, which gives them a fuller, more elaborate appearance than single-flowering species. The flower's reproductive components, which include the nectar and pollen that bees seek, are surrounded by a thick layer of these additional petals.

Bees cannot access these areas because the petals obstruct their path. The overlapping petals create a physical obstacle, making them unattractive or inaccessible to bees. Thus, these cultivars can naturally discourage bees from visiting.

The sight of catnip makes both gardeners and cats happy! Nepetalactone and other chemicals found in the oils of this minty cousin attract cats and repel bugs. It has a subtle scent of mint, lemon balm, and citronella. Catnip can be started from seeds or purchased in pots from a nursery.

Catnip produces fragrant blossoms that draw pollinators. To keep bees away, cut off these blossoms before they bloom. Additionally, remove its roots because it spreads aggressively. You want to prevent it from spreading in unwanted areas. If not, you can plant them in containers to limit their spread.

Like perennial scallions, chives provide tiny onion-like leaves year after year without requiring digging. If you leave them in a container, they will consistently sprout every spring, and their potent scent will keep wasps and bees away. Zones four through eight are effective for this edible pest prevention.

Bees can access the blooms that chives produce, so to keep them off your porch, cut these off before they open. Seek for purple blooms that resemble onion blossoms. They show up in the spring and fall. You can soak them in vinegar for a day or two to make chive-flavored vinegar, or you may snap them off and use them fresh in salads.  

Citronella is an inexpensive technique to keep bees, wasps, and mosquitoes away from homes. It is a fragrant pelargonium with lovely pink-purple blooms. With tooth-edged foliage and a rich lemon scent, it can grow up to five feet tall. It lives well in open borders and planters and is hardy in US hardiness zones 8 through 12. 

This plant is adaptable because it can grow indoors and outdoors. The most crucial factors are that the soil should drain well and that the plant needs around six hours of sunlight daily to flourish. 

Clove contains oil that has a strong, spicy flavor that overpowers floral scents, which is the reason why bees and wasps stay away from this plant. They look good in any garden, so you can plant them near outdoor eating or lounging areas. They are known for their dried flower buds, mostly used in cooking and baking. 

However, they work best when paired with other plants that repel wasps and bees. Additionally, these plants are slow-growing, so you must plant well before pollinator season and be prepared for a significant time investment. 

Although cucumbers don't smell particularly good, it is the acid in their peels and not the smell that wasps and bees detest and stay away from cucumber plants. This edible plant of the gourd family is easy to cultivate at home. You can plant them near other vegetables or flowers to reduce bee activity in your garden.

The plant's leaves make an excellent natural repellent. The effects may be even more significant once they are harvested. Dispersing leftover cucumber peels on the patio is another efficient method of using this vegetable to repel wasps and bees.

Containerized eucalyptus is a striking addition to patio gardens. The leaves are incredibly fragrant and uniquely scented. They have a layered fragrance of mint, honey, and soil, which keeps the Bees and wasps away. Most species of eucalyptus thrive between zones 7 and 10. 

Choose one at least 2 feet in diameter and be prepared to upsize in a few years. If planting directly in the ground, plant them well away from buildings, as they can dry out the soil. You should also prune eucalyptus to reduce their size and promote fresh, fragrant growth. 

Since non-flowering plants like ferns don't have flowers, which are the main attraction for pollinators, they are a natural and efficient solution to keep bees and wasps out of your garden. As a result, ferns are a great way to create a low-maintenance, peaceful space without worrying about drawing these insects.

Additionally, ferns offer additional benefits for controlling pests. The odors and visual cues that most insects are drawn to are absent from their dense, feathery leaves. Although they are not completely impervious to pests, sometimes ants or aphids will visit.

Use garlic bulbs to repel buzzers and grow food! The culinary crop's pungent roots and leaves keep insects and pests away. It produces scapes with small cloves called bulbils instead of real blooms, leaving no reason for bees and wasps to hover around this plant. 

If you plant garlic when it is appropriate for your local climate, you won't have many growing problems. Sowing them in the fall or winter will allow individual cloves to sprout from spring through summer. Place cloves in containers two inches deep, then put them away until the weather warms up. 

Red geraniums are not attractive to bees because they see red as black. The dark color is uninviting to a bee. They also have a potent off-putting scent and contain almost no pollen that would entice foraging bees.

Cultivated as half-hardy annuals in zones nine and lower, these plants will bloom all summer and look great in window boxes, hanging pots, and containers. To keep geraniums blooming, deadhead them frequently. You can also learn how to overwinter geraniums so you can enjoy them again the following year.

Coleus keeps the bees away from your porch and gives it color. There are thousands of varieties with variegated leaves of every hue. Pick the kind that appeals to you or complements your garden design, whether curly, dwarf, or rainbow-colored leaves.

Coleus mostly grows leaves, which deters bees. There is nothing to entice these insects without flowers. They only produce flower spikes, which you should trim off before they bloom to keep the critters away. The flower spikes appear between two leaves on the top of stems; cut or pinch them.

Consider growing lemongrass to repel bees and wasps if you live in the US hardiness zone 9 to 11 or warmer climates. Native to humid, warm, and sunny Sri Lanka and southern India, this tropical plant has a reviving citrus fragrance and contains citronella oil, which is a great insect repellent.

Lemongrass can be left in the ground year-round in zones 9 through 11; in zone 9, protect it with mulch. You will need to keep the plant indoors for the winter if you live in zone 8 or lower and are eager to grow this plant.

Marigolds' ability to repel certain insects that harm our produce makes them popular companion plants in gardens. Their strong smell and low pollen content can help deter stinging insects from hovering around your property.

The bright oranges and rich reds may be the ideal color combinations to utilize if you want a garden unappealing to foragers. However, the mere presence of marigolds does not necessarily deter hungry honey bees from coming to your garden. Combining them with other plants on this list is preferable.

Adored by humans but hated by bees and wasps, the heady fragrance of fresh mint makes them a popular and effective plant choice to keep the pollinators away. There are many different varieties to grow, each with subtle flavor and characteristics. 

You will need to trim the mint blooms that pollinators adore before they attract them. The flowers appear in early summer, so monitor your plants and trim off the buds before they open. Additionally, unopened blossoms can be snapped or pinched to stop mint from seeding, which is essential for controlling populations. 

Compared to other plants on this list, pitcher plants operate somewhat differently. Pitcher plants aid in the management of wasps and bees rather than discouraging them. They are carnivorous, meaning they capture and consume insects for sustenance. A slick surface inside the bloom attracts insects, which then fall into and drown.

However, caring for this plant is difficult because it cannot withstand tap, bottled, or filtered water. It only needs rainfall or distilled water. These plants have evolved to get their minerals from the insects they catch, and minerals from tap, bottled, or filtered water are harmful.

Like most mine varieties, Pennyroyal has a minty fragrance, which bees and wasps hate. This aggressive, mat-forming plant has a potent mentha aroma that is intolerable to wasps and many other insects. During summer, it produces characteristic whorls of lilac and spreads rapidly.

Pennyroyal thrives in zones six through nine and is resilient down to zone five. The primary varieties are American and European Pennyroyal, with the former having a more potent scent. The leaves are often crushed and applied to bug bites for relief.

Tarragon, belonging to the sunflower flower, is fragrant and ideal for patio containers. It keeps insect pests away from your home by deterring wasps and bees with its potent aroma. You can also add its herby and savory flavor to seasoning blends.

We recommend the French variety because of its culinary uses. Although it can still bloom under the right circumstances, it does so less frequently than other species. To keep bees off your patio, cut any blooms before they develop. Dry them to use in flower bouquets or compost them. 

Lilies are prized for their vivid flowers and graceful designs, making them beautiful additions to gardens. If you select red cultivars, they also have the special benefit of keeping bees away because red appears black or grey, making red lilies visually unappealing. Planting red lilies makes an area more bee-free.

Although these lilies can elevate your landscape, they should be planted with caution if you have pets. Cats can be poisoned by common lily species. Minor issues, such as pollen licking or leaf nibbling, can be lethal if left untreated. 

Roses are a common landscaping plant that comes in different varieties. They come in every possible color, shape, and bush size. Even roses bred to have fewer thorns and big, lovely blooms exist. Fortunately, they are not very appealing to honey bees.

Select crimson or dark hues to see fewer bees around your rose bushes. Also, steer clear of overly fragrant roses because bees are extremely sensitive to the aroma. They are highly attracted to the enticing and fragrant scent. 

Bees and wasps are only drawn to rosemary when it is in bloom, so remove any blossoms before they open to keep insects off your patio. These insects detest the herb's woody fragrance, which is stronger when the fragrant blooms are absent.

If you want these bothersome insects to move somewhere else, it may be more effective to grow rosemary with other plants that naturally deter insects. Place rosemary in raised beds or containers on your patio. It needs frequent watering, full sun, and adequate drainage. 

Rue is a perennial herb that has been used for cultural and therapeutic purposes. It is also very successful at keeping bees and wasps away because of the special qualities of its leaves and stems. They are covered by oil glands that release unpleasant, bitter-smelling oil.

Many insects, including wasps and bees, find this strong scent disagreeable and avoid it. Bees are also turned off by the flowers' small size, yellow color, and lack of nectar or pollen. Only butterflies find them appealing.

Sage is a valuable addition to your garden because of its strong scent and ability to repel wasps and bees naturally. These insects are sensitive to the herb's potent, earthy scents. It is useful in maintaining comfortable and insect-free outdoor areas.

Although sage may grow in different soil types, it prefers a sunny location and well-draining soil. Depending on your climate, you can plant it in the spring or the fall. Once established, it needs little care. While mature plants can withstand drought, early stages require regular watering. 

Bees are not exactly put off by garden pansies. They produce blooms with expanded double petals that prevent pollinating bees from entering, making the pansies less attractive to them. So you don't have to worry about swarms when you plant them on your patio.

Similar to coleus plants, garden pansies are available in a vast array of varieties, hues, and forms. They flourish in springtime when it's rainy, and they survive mild winters. They will bloom continuously for four to six months with regular hydration and well-draining soil. 

It may be surprising, but bees and wasps loathe swirling, creeping cushions of thyme. This herb thrives in most sunny spots with well-drained soil. It produces clusters of small white, pink, or purple blooms in late spring and summer.

Although they detest damp, humid conditions, the majority of thyme varieties grow well in US hardiness zones 5 through 9. They grow best in containers. The young, fresh leaves have the strongest flavor and aroma. Therefore, cut off all old, spindly foliage for the most effective insect deterrent.

Trumpet flowers got their name from the flower’s tubular shape. Bees are not drawn to it since their design makes it difficult for bees to collect nectar. However, they are appealing to hummingbirds as they have a long proboscis to access the nectar.

There are numerous varieties of trumpet flowers, such as trumpet creeper and angel's trumpet. Gardeners will, therefore, have ample opportunity to select the one that best fits their yard. A red variety is the best because bees are unable to detect that color.

An evergreen ground cover with a modest growth rate, wintergreen is prized for its glossy leaves, beautiful white blooms, and vivid red berries. They neither repel nor attract bees and wasps. This is because this plant develops few flowers with low nectar and pollen content, making it less pollinator-friendly.

Wintergreen is a suitable choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants that offer year-round foliage. It grows best in woodland gardens or behind trees since it requires acidic, well-drained soil and does well in partial to full shade. 

Wormwood is one of the few plants that noticeably repel most insects. The potent odor is not offensive to humans but is unattractive to bees. It also contains absinthe, a substance that is toxic to insects and animals, so exercise caution when planting.

Additionally, wormwood has nothing to offer hungry insects since it is pollinated by the winds. It can be grown as an ornamental due to its unique color and leaf structure. You may need to stake if not supported by other foliage.