Content
- Do fragrance geraniums help against wasps?
- Essential oils are said to expel wasps
- Do fragrance geraniums really help against wasps?
- Especially recommended varieties
- What else helps against the pests?
- Tips
Fragrance geraniums are intended to keep out annoying wasps
Do fragrance geraniums help against wasps?
Fragrance geraniums exude an intense aroma of lemon, rose or mint. The popular balcony and terrace plants not only look attractive, they can also be used in many ways. Thus, for example, the essential oils obtained from the leaves of Pelargonium citrodorum or Pelargonium crispum are used in the food and cosmetics industry, but also drive away annoying insects such as wasps or mosquitoes.
Essential oils are said to expel wasps
The intense scent of the fragrance geranium does not come from the pretty flowers, but from the leaves. These contain glands filled with essential oils, which the plant serves to ward off pests - ergo the Duftgeranie (especially the lemon scented geranium) is a very natural weapon against various insects. But the intense scent is not only used for plant defense, but also to reduce evaporation. Thus, the Duftgeranie has adapted in this way to the living conditions of their South African homeland well.
Do fragrance geraniums really help against wasps?
Basically, it is by no means a marketing trick, as many a garden lover suspects. However, scented geraniums do not work as reliably against wasps as one might wish; especially not when the animals in the late summer are particularly hungry for the fresh, sweet cakes of your coffee table. The plants, strategically placed for seating, can help ward off the annoying wasps, but you're unlikely to be 100% successful.
Especially recommended varieties
Particularly effective against wasps are in particular the varieties of lemon scented geranium (Pelargonium x citrosmum, Pelargonium crispum or Pelargonium citronella), but also the pine needles scented oak leaf geranium (Pelargonium quercifolia) or the geranium diamond geranium (Pelargonium abrotanifolium). Recommended varieties are mainly:
What else helps against the pests?
Instead of fragrant geraniums, you can also control wasps, mosquitos, flies & Co. in other ways in a natural way.
Tips
By the way, scented geraniums not only help against wasps, they are also edible.