The Fast-Growing Plant That'll Help Keep Yellowjackets Out Of Your Yard

Few things can ruin a backyard gathering faster than yellowjackets buzzing around your drinks and food. Unlike honeybees, these insects might be aggressive. They can attack repeatedly, and they're especially irritable if you accidentally disturb one of their hidden nests. Many yellowjackets build underground colonies or tuck themselves into cracks and voids near homes, which can cause headaches for homeowners mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, or even doing basic yardwork. Beyond being a painful nuisance, they can also create structural issues if they find their way into decaying wood around decks, sheds, or porches.

There are many ways to get rid of wasps and pests, but most people's first instinct is to turn to chemical repellents or pricey traps. Fortunately, there's a much simpler, natural, and budget-friendly solution: mint. Yes, that same fresh-smelling herb you might use in cocktails or teas can double as an effective deterrent against yellowjackets. Instead of masking your outdoor space with harsh sprays, a few well-placed mint plants can discourage these pests from lingering in the first place. It's an easy way to reclaim your yard without spending a fortune or harming the environment (and you'll end up with a useful kitchen herb at the same time).

The secret to mint's insect-fighting power lies in its strong aromatic oils. Peppermint oil, in particular, has natural insecticidal properties that yellowjackets can't stand. In fact, the compound menthone, which is in mint, is one of the most powerful yellow-jacket deterrents. When the scent lingers in the air, it irritates the yellowjackets and makes them far less likely to build nests or hover around your hangout spots. To use this to your advantage, plant mint directly in the areas where yellowjackets tend to gather (like near patios, recycling bins, tree stumps, seating areas, or garden beds). 

Mint grown in containers can be set on outdoor tables before a gathering to naturally discourage yellowjackets from buzzing around your food and drinks during the summer. You can also place small pots of mint near the entry points of your home, like porches or kitchen windowsills. If you already keep mint indoors for cooking, having a few potted plants near open windows can help discourage stray insects from sneaking inside.

There are downsides to growing mint that you should be aware of. Just keep in mind that mint spreads quickly and can become invasive if left unchecked. To control it, try planting it in containers or using underground barriers to keep it contained. With a little maintenance, it's one of the hardiest perennials you can grow, thriving in many climates and coming back year after year. Bonus: you'll have mint handy for cooking, teas, and cocktails, making it one of the most versatile pest solutions around.

If you don't want to rely solely on plants, you can also create a DIY spray using mint essential oil. Simply mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water, then spritz it around problem areas. Do this in the early morning or late evening when yellow jackets are less active, and you'll give them even more reason to stay away. 

Another option is soaking cotton balls with mint essential oil and setting them out around places where yellowjackets gather in your yard. You could also consider setting a diffuser out on your porch to create a constant flow of mint essential oil. Having an essential oil diffuser is a must-have for your patio because it will keep other things, like mosquitoes, ants, and wasps, away as well. Add in its usefulness in recipes and drinks, and it's clear that mint is a powerhouse herb worth cultivating. With a little creativity, you can enjoy a yard that's fresher, more comfortable, and far less buggy (all thanks to one fast-growing plant).