Plants to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets

Yellow jacket is a colloquial name for a wasp. These members of the arthropod genus feed on nectar produced by flowers and so are common visitors to most domestic gardens. However, they prey on other insects as well as constitute a risk to humans with their stings. Over the counter insect repellents are effective means of getting rid of wasps, but there are other, more natural ways to deter them.

Arguably the most effective plant for repelling yellow jackets, wormwood -- or Artemisia -- contains chemicals such as terpenoids and sesquiterpene lactones that, in sufficient quantities, are toxic to most animals, from insects to grazing mammals. Wormwood is also the plant from which the powerfully intoxicating liquor absinthe is derived. You can plant it in full sun or part shade, but separate it from other plants, as it can inhibit their growth.

Pyrethrum flowers -- part of the chrysanthemum family -- contain pyrethrum, a chemical that is harmless to warm-blooded animals but lethal to many insects. As such, use it with caution when deterring yellow jackets, as it may also kill other beneficial insects. Gardeners can make their own pyrethrum spray by grinding up a few flower heads of the plant and mixing with water.

A tall perennial plant related to lemongrass, citronella grass has active chemical compounds that are common in store-bought repellents. Geraniol and citronellol -- the principal chemical constituents of the plant -- are antiseptic elements used in household disinfectants and are distasteful to yellow jackets.

When used in concentration in manufactured insect sprays, mint oil kills yellow jackets and other insects by over-stimulating their nervous system and clogging up their breathing holes, which causes asphyxiation. Having mint plants in the garden is a less lethal way of deterring wasps. You can plant them in beds or pots.