Here's How Red Geraniums Are Your Answer For A Wasp-Free Yard

If you spend plenty of time outdoors, then you'll know there is nothing more annoying than wasps whizzing around your yard. Thankfully, one natural remedy could help to solve all your wasp woes in one swoop. Say hello to red geraniums. These vibrant flowers are the perfect remedy to help ward off wasps in your yard, especially if your placement is just right. However, you will have to be very purposeful with how you deploy this method; otherwise, it may not be as effective. 

This effect is thanks to the flowers' potent smell, as well as the fact that they produce very little pollen. If you opt to use them, you should end up with a wasp-free yard in no time. Even better, this method is completely natural, meaning that you won't harm any wildlife in the process. Not only is this a win for yourself and your garden, but it's also kinder to any lurking wasps. In fact, wasps can help keep the ecosystem intact thanks to the fact that they are pollinators and good at eliminating plant-destroying pests, so it's always best to find humane ways of repelling them whenever possible. By using red geraniums, you'll be indirectly supporting these insects while also keeping them out of your space. 

The main reason geraniums work so well to eliminate wasps in your yard is because they detest the smell of the flowers, which substantially impacts the insects due to their high sensitivity to them. In fact, a biological engineer at the University of Georgia, Glen Rain, explains to New Scientist that "[wasps] detect most odors at the parts per trillion level, which is very similar to a dog." Of course, this explains why planting geraniums in your yard is such an effective tactic. In fact, you could even say that it works like magic.

While red geraniums are effective at repelling wasps, you can also test the waters with other colors, which should be equally effective. This is great news if you have a specific color scheme or style that you're working with in your garden or already have some geraniums that are already established and waiting to be planted.

In order for your geraniums to work their magic, you need to put them in the correct place. This should be close to where you encounter pesky wasp problems while ensuring that they still get plenty of sunlight. Of course, this will depend on the layout of your garden. Additionally, if you want to give your geraniums their best chance at eliminating wasps, you should make sure you steer clear of planting near plants that could inhibit their growth, such as lilies and begonias, and make sure you introduce them into your garden during spring. By giving your geraniums the best chance to flourish, they should be more effective at eliminating your wasp issue.

If you plant them correctly, you should notice a difference fairly quickly. Of course, you can always plant more if you feel it is necessary. You could even try planting some other flowers that help to keep wasps away around them if you want an even stronger effect.