When it's hot, we like to stay outdoors. The balcony, the seating area in the garden and the terrace become unique oases where you can relax in the shade and treat yourself to a piece of cake with your lunch coffee. But if wasps suddenly disturb the idyll, quick action is required. Although the insects are not considered aggressive and in some cases even prove to be beneficial in the garden, wasp stings are painful and particularly dangerous for allergy sufferers. In today's article we will explain to you whether citronella is effective against wasps and how to use the home remedy correctly
Citronella is an essential oil that is obtained from lemongrass. Lemongrass is traditionally used in Nepali cuisine to flavor various dishes. Thanks to the active ingredients citral and myrcene it contains, the aroma of lemongrass has a slightly fruity note.
The fragrance oil has also been available since the mid-1950sRepelling various insectsfor use. The oil is also used for its anti-inflammatory anddisinfectant propertiesappreciated. In order to have the best effect, the oil should be of high quality.
There are two ways to get rid of wasps with citronella. You can make a scented candle or spray yourself.
Make your own citronella candle against wasps
Citronella candles are made like other scented candles. You need leftover wax, a small and a large pot, a spoon, a small jam jar, lukewarm tap water, a wick and citronella oil. If you wish, you can still do soAdd lavender oil.
This is how the candle is made:
- First place the small pot in the large one. Then fill the large pots with water so that the small pot is almost completely submerged in water. But you should be careful because the water must never get into the small pot.
- Put the leftover wax in the small pot and heat it up. At 40 degrees Celsius wax becomes liquid.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add about 10 to 20 drops of citronella oil and 5 to 10 drops of lavender oil into the wax.
- Place the wick in the center of the jam jar and hold the top with your fingers.
- Stir the wax and pour it into the jam jar.
- You can only light the citronella candle when the wax has completely cooled down.
Place several scented candles around the table, seating area or lounge area.
Make your own spray with citronella against wasps
You can also make your own spray against wasps. To achieve this you need the following ingredients: 50 ml of vodka or alcohol from the pharmacy and 200 ml of distilled water. First, pour the alcohol into a clean and empty spray bottle, then immediately add 20 drops of citronella fragrance oil, 10 drops of lavender oil and 5 drops of rose geranium oil. Then fill the water and close the bottle. Shake the bottle vigorously so that the liquids mix well. You can also shake the bottle before each use. This spray is ideal for wind-protected areas such as tents, covered terraces, pergolas, etc. Spray the balcony and the area around the seating area on the terrace several times to drive away the wasps.
Drive away wasps and attract them to another area in the garden
The only way you can effectively get rid of wasps is to attract them to another area of the garden. A hedge of berry bushes, a birdbath or an apple tree with fallen fruit away from seating areas will attract the insects and provide a source of food in summer.
Only then can home remedies with scented oils really help to keep wasps away from outdoor dining and sitting areas.
Use home remedies against wasps specifically: This is what you should pay attention to
Since citronella is a fragrance oil, it can cause allergies. Allergy sufferers and asthmatics should test compatibility first before spraying the area liberally with the fragrance oil.
It is also important to always check food and drinks, chair seats and backrests, as well as children's and pets' toys for wasps. Otherwise, you risk swallowing the insects in your food or having them sting you.
Citronella is ahelpful home remedy, which is often used in the fight against mosquitoes. But a candle can also help if there are wasps in the garden. The scent will drive away the insects and keep them away from the balcony, terrace and pergola.
