Although you’ll probably need synthetic insecticides to get rid of wasps, you can employ some natural solutions to keep them away. Plants like citronella, spearmint, marigolds, and geraniums are all thought to be wasp deterrents. Additionally, essential oils such as peppermint, clove, geranium, and lemongrass may have some effect when sprayed on places where wasp nests used to remain. A 2012 study backs up the repellent effects of these oils on yellow jackets.