Keep Wasps At Bay With This Simple Blend Of A Few Natural Liquids

Few things can squash the relaxing mood of an outdoor get-together more quickly than a wasp. Wasps love to show up anytime food is involved, and they understandably put people on edge. Unfortunately, many methods for keeping wasps away from your relaxing outdoor space involve toxic chemicals and substances that can harm other pollinators, like bees and butterflies. In response, many people are turning to peppermint essential oils to deter wasps naturally.

Peppermint oil is a top strategy for keeping wasps at bay because it's not intrusive, its scent is relatively pleasant, and it repels various common pests. The menthol content in peppermint creates a scent that wasps don't like, and peppermint oil provides an especially concentrated dose of that scent. Peppermint oil is also affordable and can serve as a repellent against many unwanted visitors. For example, you can use peppermint oil in your basement to repel mice! And luckily, peppermint oil is relatively affordable, like the Majestic Pure peppermint oil on Amazon that's $13.

It's tough to enjoy your outdoor space with buzzing in your ear, and especially if you or your family have allergies to stinging insects, the issue can quickly escalate from annoying to dangerous (via WebMD). To add a healthy buffer between yourself and these six-legged intruders, dilute peppermint essential oil by filling a spray bottle with water and adding just a 10 to 15 drops of oil. Give the bottle a good shake, then spray the peppermint oil around the impacted area. You'll need to reapply every couple of days, and especially after it rains and the solution has been washed away.

You can use peppermint essential oil in your home as well as outdoors, but be mindful of pets. Peppermint oil is toxic to both cats and dogs, and your pets can become sick from contact with the oil or from ingesting it (via the American Kennel Club). It's best to only use the essential oil outdoors if you have furry friends, and keep the oil away from spaces your pets might roll in or get a bit too curious about!