Wasps often take a seat at the coffee table as an uninvited guest in summer. Especially people who suffer from an allergy should keep the insects away. But no matter how annoying the animals may be, poison is not and will not remain a solution. After all, they are part of the ecosystem. Luckily, there are numerous home remedies, including lemon oil, to combat it gently. But does lemon scent really help repel wasps?
Lemon against wasps
Wasps are very sensitive to smells. This includes the lemon. The sour fruit can be used in various ways against wasps.
- Lemon scent on the skin
- Citrus oil in the fragrance lamp
- Plant the terrace
lemon on the skin
When hiking, it is advantageous to wear an insect repellent fragrance directly on your body. Either the essence is used on the skin or on clothing. Production is as follows:
ingredients
- 125 ml distilled water
- 125 ml alcohol (depending on the desired intensity)
- 13 drops of lemon essential oil
- a spray bottle
preparation
- mix all ingredients
- pour into the spray bottle
- shake well
- Spray onto skin/clothing
notice: Unfortunately, the scent dissipates very quickly, especially with physical activity. If you want to protect yourself permanently, apply the mixture again after about two hours.
Citrus oil in the fragrance lamp
During cozy barbecue evenings in the garden, the scent of lemons not only creates a Mediterranean ambience, but also drives away wasps. An aroma lamp is ideal for far-reaching protection. To use, simply drip a few drops of essential fragrance oil into the lamp.
tip: Essential oil made from citrus fruits is available at health food stores and well-stocked drugstores.
Plant the terrace
If you do not want to buy an extra essential oil, you will also find numerous plants that naturally give off the scent of lemons. As a visual enhancement of the terrace, they prove to be extremely effective at driving away insects. Useful growths include:
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus gunii)
- Lemon basil (Ocimum citriodorum)
- Turkish Scorpionfish (Dracocephalum moldavica)
- Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Protection for pets
Pet owners can also protect their four-legged friends by rubbing lemon essence into cats and dogs. First, however, they should test how the animal reacts to the drug with a small dose.
danger: In undiluted form, lemon scented oil destroys the UV protective film on human skin. In direct sunlight, the two alternative application methods are therefore more recommended.
Alternative fragrances against insects
But there are also people who can't stand the smell of citrus fruits. The following alternative scents also drive away wasps:
- bergamot
- scented geranium
- spice laurel
- catnip
- lavender
- sage
- tomatoes
- smoke
- coffee