Looking for natural ways to keep bees and wasps away from your backyard, garden, or patio? Luckily, nature offers a gentle yet effective solution, and that is bee-repellent plants and flowers! Yes, certain plants and flowers naturally deter bees and wasps.

While pollinators play an important role in the environment, their presence near your home can sometimes lead to unwanted stings and discomfort. So, check out this article to learn about 30 plants and flowers you can grow to make your outdoor space more peaceful and pest-free.

30 Flowers and Plants That Repel Bees and Wasps

Go through this list of 30 bee deterrent plants and flowers that help keep bees away from your pool, backyard, and home in the most natural way possible!

1. Geraniums

   

   Geraniums, particularly those with red flowers, are highly effective in repelling bees and wasps. These vibrant flowers have little to no pollen, and their scent is unappealing to stinging insects. Besides adding color to your garden, they help deter pests while your kids enjoy the outdoors.

2. Mint

   

   The refreshing smell of mint that we enjoy is a natural deterrent for bees and wasps. Mint grows quickly and can be easily added to your herb garden. Its scent masks attractants and keeps pests at bay. Bonus: You can use fresh mint in drinks and recipes!

3. Basil

   

   Aromatic and flavorful, basil not only enhances your dishes but also repels stinging pests. Its rich scent drives bees, wasps, flies, and fleas away. Basil thrives in sunny spots and is easy to maintain in a backyard or balcony garden.

4. Cucumbers

   

   Cucumber peels release an acidic compound that naturally repels bees and wasps. Whether grown as a vine or in containers, cucumbers are low-maintenance and make a tasty addition to the garden.

5. Marigolds

   

   Another plant that repels bees with its strong fragrance is the marigold. While not as effective against honeybees, they still add bright, pest-repellent beauty to gardens. Their low maintenance makes them perfect for busy homeowners.

6. Eucalyptus

   

   Eucalyptus is a drought-tolerant plant whose aromatic leaves repel bees and wasps. It thrives in sunny areas and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.

7. Wormwood

   

   This plant contains absinthe, a substance toxic to many insects. Wormwood’s pungent odor keeps bees, wasps, and even mosquitoes and fleas away. It’s a unique and decorative pest-repellent option.

8. Pennyroyal

   

   A relative of mint, pennyroyal is small yet powerful. Its mint-like scent drives away bees and wasps. Since it can thrive in small pots, it’s great for placing in multiple locations around your home.

9. Citronella

   

   Known for repelling mosquitoes, citronella also repels bees and wasps due to its strong lemon scent. Plant it around patios or walkways to create a natural barrier.

10. Lemongrass

    

    Lemongrass contains citronella oil and emits a strong citrus aroma that masks floral scents. It is one of the most effective plants for keeping bees away. However, it thrives in warm climates.

11. Common Thyme

    

    Its earthy scent acts as a natural insect repellent. Both the common thyme plant and its essential oils can be used to deter bees and wasps.

12. Black-Eyed Susan

    

    Blck-eyed susan flowers emit a mild scent that discourages bees and wasps while adding beautiful yellow blooms to your yard.

13. Sage

    

    Whether planted fresh or burned as dried leaves, sage keeps stinging pests away. It’s ideal for herb gardens or borders.

14. Onion

    

    Onions emit a sharp odor that bees and wasps dislike. They are a practical addition to both kitchen and pest-repelling gardens.

15. Red Roses

    

    Unlike their pink or white cousins, deep red roses have low nectar and a scent that repels most bees and wasps.

16. Rue

    

    Rue is one of the most effective bee-repellent plants, thanks to its strong and bitter aroma. Its smell keeps bees and other insects away. Caution: its sap can irritate skin.

17. Garlic

    

    Crushed garlic or garlic-infused water can be used to discourage pests. It’s a useful and easy-to-grow garden staple.

18. Wintergreen

    

    Its minty scent may be soothing to you, but not to bees and wasps. For optimal results, consider using wintergreen oil or growing it in containers.

19. Bay Leaf

    

    The spicy scent of bay leaves deters stinging pests. Dried leaves can be used indoors to guard against entry.

20. Spearmint

    

    Similar to mint, spearmint overwhelms bees with its strong scent. This is one of those plants that repel bees and wasps and also doubles as a flavorful herb.

21. Clove

    

    Whether from the plant or oil, clove’s intense fragrance drives bees and wasps away. Try using crushed cloves on outdoor tables.

22. Trumpet Flower

    

    Although it looks bright and inviting, the trumpet flower actually gives off a scent that repels bees and wasps. Its long, tube-shaped blooms also make it hard for these insects to reach the nectar, which further discourages them from visiting.

23. Ferns

    

    Ferns are non-flowering plants that don’t produce nectar or strong fragrances, making them naturally unappealing to bees and wasps. They are ideal for creating a pest-free garden space because of their rich and leafy foliage.

24. Chives

    

    Chives emit a mild onion aroma that repels stinging pests. They are easy to grow and useful in the kitchen.

25. Lavender

    

    Although lavender is one of those plants that keeps bees away, it attracts butterflies. Its intense scent repels bees and wasps. Use the plant or lavender oil for pest control.

26. Rosemary

    

    Rosemary’s strong, earthy aroma is enjoyable to people but tends to repel bees and wasps. Planting it near patios or outdoor seating areas can help keep these insects at bay and make the space more relaxing.

27. Cardinal Flowers

    

    These bright red flowers are more appealing to hummingbirds than to bees. The shape and scent of cardinal flowers deter bees.

28. Begonias

    

    Begonias don’t offer nectar and have a neutral scent. This property makes them unattractive to bees and wasps.

29. Red Lilies

    

    Unlike other varieties of lilies, red lilies have little nectar and a scent that doesn’t appeal to stinging pests. Apart from being a decorative option, it can be your best bet as a plant to keep bees away.

30. Catnip

    

    Catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that repels bees, wasps, and even mosquitoes. It’s an all-around bee deterrent plant.

As you can see, certain herbs and flowers such as mint, basil, rosemary, geraniums, marigolds, and begonias naturally deter these stinging insects while adding beauty and greenery to your yard.

So, you can create a bee- and wasp-free outdoor space simply by choosing the right bee-repellent plants. It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to enjoy a more comfortable outdoor space.

FAQ: Bee and Wasp Repellent Plants

1. What plant keeps bees and wasps away the most?

   Mint and citronella are two of the most effective plants to keep bees and wasps away. Their strong, natural scent masks the floral smells that attract stinging insects, making them ideal for patios and garden borders.

2. Do bees and wasps hate the smell of basil?

   Yes, both bees and wasps dislike the strong scent of basil. Planting basil in sunny spots near doors, windows, or outdoor seating areas can help naturally deter these insects.

3. What are the best plants to keep bees away from your patio or pool?

   Plants such as geraniums, eucalyptus, citronella, and rosemary are effective in keeping bees away from patios and pools. These plants emit strong aromas and contain little to no nectar, which discourages bees and wasps from hovering nearby.

4. Are there any flowers that don’t attract bees or wasps?

   Yes, flowers like begonias, red lilies, and cardinal flowers don’t produce much nectar. They are less attractive to bees and wasps. These blooms are ideal for creating colorful, yet sting-free, garden spaces.

5. Can catnip repel bees and wasps, too?

   Yes. Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone that repels not only bees and wasps but also mosquitoes. It’s a versatile insect-repelling plant that’s also pet-friendly.