Wasps can be annoying and even dangerous insects during the warmer months. Their stings are painful and for some people, potentially life-threatening due to allergic reactions. While certain species like yellow jackets are quite aggressive, most wasps will only sting if they feel threatened. The best way to prevent wasps from bothering you is to avoid attracting them in the first place. However, if you expect to encounter wasps, using a repellent may help deter them from landing or stinging.
Why Do Wasps Sting?
Wasps have stingers primarily for defending their nests. They will sting perceived threats to protect their colony, food sources, and queens. The venom in their sting helps immobilize predators and prey. However, away from the nest, wasps are generally not aggressive unless provoked. Swatting at a wasp, stepping on one barefoot, or getting too close to a nest is likely to trigger a defensive sting. Although they can sting repeatedly, most wasps do not pursue people to attack them once the threat is gone.
Do Natural Repellents Work?
There are many claims about natural ingredients that can repel wasps. However, only a few have shown real evidence of effectiveness in scientific studies.
Essential oils
Certain concentrated essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass contain compounds that wasps find unpleasant or confusing. The strong odors mask tempting smells like food, sweat, or carbon dioxide from breath. Dabbing a few diluted drops on your skin creates a vapor barrier that makes you less attractive to wasps.
Plant oils
Citronella, tea tree, clove, and lavender oils can deter wasps to some extent when applied topically. However, the effects tend to be short-lived as the oils quickly rub off or are absorbed into the skin. Oils work better when combined with an emulsifier that makes them stickier and longer lasting.
Smoke
The smoke from burning herbs, incense, and cigarettes helps camouflage human scents. It may prevent wasps from zeroing in if you are near a nest. However, smoking has serious health risks and is not very effective compared to other repellents.
Mouthwash
Interestingly, some research indicates that mouthwash containing mint oils can repel wasps for a few hours when applied to bare skin. The minty aroma masks attractive scents and interferes with wasps’ sense of smell.
Do Commercial Repellents Work Better?
Specialized topical repellents sold in stores tend to use higher concentrations of oils known to deter wasps. They also include compounds like vanillin that exploit wasps’ scent receptors to overwhelm and confuse them. The addition of emulsion agents allows the active ingredients to stick to the skin longer. This combination of formulas provides more reliable and long-lasting repellency compared to homemade natural repellents.
Deet
DEET is considered the most effective insect repellent. Concentrations around 15% repel wasps for 3-6 hours. While safe for adults when used properly, DEET can be toxic if ingested by children. It may also damage synthetic fabrics.
Picaridin
Picaridin is a synthetic compound that resembles piperine from black pepper. At 20% concentration, picaridin repels wasps comparably to DEET and lasts up to 8 hours per application.
IR3535
This synthetic repellent derived from amino acids is about 20% as effective as DEET at the same concentrations. It protects against wasps for roughly 90 minutes before needing reapplication.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Oil of lemon eucalyptus contains p-menthane-3,8-diol, the active ingredient in eucalyptus oil. At 30-40% concentration, its repellency rivals DEET. A 2014 study found it warded off wasps for over 6 hours.
How to Apply Repellents
To get the most protection against wasps:
- Use EPA registered products and follow label directions
- Apply repellent generously and reapply after a few hours or heavy sweating
- Spray clothes but avoid eyes, cuts, and lips
- Wash repellent off at the end of the day
- Keep in mind DEET can damage plastics, rayon, spandex, leather, and painted/varnished surfaces
Homemade Wasp Repellent Spray Recipes
You can make your own wasp repellent using natural ingredients:
| Recipe | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Peppermint Spray |
|
| Citrus Spray |
|
| Lavender Spray |
|
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake well before each use, and spray over exposed skin or clothing. Avoid eyes, lips, cuts, and open wounds.
Other Ways to Repel Wasps
In addition to topical repellents, you can take other steps to prevent wasp stings:
- Avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes, cosmetics, and bright clothing outdoors
- Cover food and drinks outdoors
- Wear shoes outside
- Be careful around bushes, trees, and under eaves where nests are common
- Stay calm and move slowly if you encounter wasps
- Do not swat at or try to crush wasps
- Have nests near your home professionally removed
First Aid for Wasp Stings
If you are stung:
- Wash the sting area with soap and water
- Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling
- Avoid scratching as this can spread the venom
- Use over-the-counter pain medication, antihistamines, or topical sting relief sprays
- See a doctor for severe reactions like trouble breathing
When to Seek Medical Care
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience:
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
- Dizziness, confusion, racing heartbeat, or faintness
- Hives or redness spreading from the sting area
- Nausea, cramps, or vomiting
- More than 10 stings at once
These are signs of a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine.
Conclusion
Wasps can be deterred by various repellents applied to the skin. Commercial formulas containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus tend to be most effective, lasting several hours per application. Natural plant oils can also provide short-term repellency when formulated properly. Avoiding strong fragrances, covering food and drink, and moving calmly around nests can further help prevent stings. Seek medical attention if you have a severe reaction to a sting.