Wasps can be a real nuisance as summer arrives, but you can deter them from entering your home without needing to spend money on insect sprays or harsh chemical repellents.11:03, 26 May 2026Summer is nearly upon us, and while many welcome the warm weather, it also heralds the arrival of wasps buzzing about, as they're fond of venturing indoors. Wasps typically begin appearing from late May to early June, when their queens emerge from hibernation and start constructing nests. They become increasingly visible in the coming weeks as colonies expand, and you're likely spotting them now as temperatures climb, since they enter homes searching for water.‌Nobody wants wasps hanging around — they're aggressive little creatures with a painful sting — but few people fancy spraying insect repellents throughout their home, given they're usually packed with harmful chemicals that settle on surfaces or the floor. However, Lenore Brooks, a designer who suffers from a wasp allergy, has revealed there's a straightforward method to repel wasps, requiring only a substance called teak oil.‌‌Lenore said: "Earlier this summer, during wasp house-hunting season, we had four straight days of wasps getting into the apartment."On day five, I knew I needed to take action. Out came the teak oil (I used Circa 1850 Tung 'n Teak Oil) and a paint brush and I got to work. "She added: "While I was applying the oil, four wasps came flying towards the balcony, reacted like they had hit a glass wall and veered away. We have had no wasps come past the railing since."‌Teak oil is a wood treatment typically applied to outdoor furniture, but it contains plant oils that wasps detest and will do their utmost to steer clear of.It generally contains tung and linseed oil, which possess insect-repelling qualities, alongside other finishing products such as varnishes, which emit a powerful scent that can aggravate their senses.‌Wasps navigate their surroundings by detecting chemicals, and strong odours or particular oils can trigger the chemical signals associated with danger in their receptors.Insects become more wary once they pick up this signal — they're far more likely to flee and search for a safer location.Wasps also communicate through pheromones, and certain scents can disrupt these signals, meaning they'll find it harder to locate food or establish a nest in the vicinity, which also prompts them to relocate elsewhere.‌How to use teak oil to keep wasps awayTo start, ensure you purchase a teak oil that's environmentally friendly, and it's advisable to opt for raw or pure oils for maximum effectiveness.Simply take a paintbrush and coat your window frame with it, then apply it to other surfaces wasps might be drawn to, such as fences, decking or outdoor furniture.Article continues belowTeak oil is formulated for wood, but Lenore says she also applies it to her patio door and brickwork. However, exercise caution, as teak oil can alter the colour of surfaces.It's recommended to test a small patch on wooden areas first, and only apply to non-wooden surfaces if you're unconcerned about their appearance. According to Leonie and her partner, they didn't encounter a single wasp or nest that summer, making it the most reliable method they've found for keeping these irritating insects out of their home.