Citronella is not your wasp solution.

Not really.

Citronella gets all the credit for repelling mosquitoes—and it works okay for that—but wasps and hornets are a different story. They’re not bothered much by the smell. You might see them ignore a citronella candle entirely while they go after your soda or burger.

Wasps and hornets are driven by protein and sugar, not scent avoidance like mosquitoes. Citronella masks human odors, which is why it works on skeeters. But wasps hunt and scavenge. They don’t care if you smell like lemongrass.

If you want to actually keep wasps away, you’re better off covering food, using traps, or hanging a fake nest. Citronella candles are for ambiance and mosquitoes. Wasps will just eye your drink over the flame.

Save the citronella for the bloodsuckers.